Keynote Address: Bone Regeneration: Factors Affecting Healing

Abstract Body: In recent years, a number of experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that following the use of the Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) principle, bone regeneration is achieved in a predictable way. However, different biologic, technical and material related factors have been associated with the final clinical outcome following these procedures. In this presentation, the available evidence provided by a series of experimental and clinical studies will be critically appraised and the healing potential of the GBR principle with or without the combined use of bone grafts under different conditions will be reviewed. Furthermore, the critical points related to factors affecting the healing outcome will be presented and linked to possible clinical scenarios.