Successful bone augmentation requires predictable space maintenance and adequate exclusion of those cells that lack osteogenetic potential from the defect area. Natural bone mineral is considered to be osteoconductive and is used as space maker in combination with membrane barrier techniques. The aim of this study was to compare qualitative histological results achieved by using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) as a space maintainer and a new collagen barrier (Ossix, test group) vs. the same bone substitute and the standard e-PTFE membrane (Gore-Tex), control group). Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to the test or the control group. Seven months after augmentation procedures, biopsies were obtained at reentry and were analysed histomorphometrically. In all, 14 specimens of group I (test group, Ossix) and 13 specimens of group II (controls, PTFE-membranes) showed close qualitative similarity of their histologies. Histomorphometrically, total mineralized bone area was 42% +/- 18% in group I vs. 39% +/- 15% in group II. The unmineralized tissue area was 44% +/- 15% vs. 46% +/- 12% and the area of DBBM remnants 14% +/- 9% and 15% +/- 12%, respectively. The differences were statistically nonsignificant (Mann-Whitney test). The occurrence of barrier exposure did not interfere with the histological outcome either in the test or in the control group. The new collagen barrier combined with the DBBM provided qualitative bone regeneration comparable to the standard e-PTFE material combined with the same mineral.