Objective: To determine the regenerating effect of hyaluronic acid on circumferential bone defects in albino Wistar rats. Material and Methods: An experimental type study was designed and carried out with 15 albino male Wistar rats, 4 months old and weighing between 250 and 350 grams. Two circumferential bone defects 3mm in diameter and 0.8mm deep were created in the calvaria of the parietal bone (on both sides of the midline). One defect was filled with a demineralized bone matrix (control group); while the other defect was filled with the combination of a demineralized bone matrix plus hyaluronic acid (experimental group). Five experimental rats were euthanized at 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery and they were histologically evaluated following the parameters proposed by Heiple. Results: The experimental group presented a better degree of bone regeneration at 30 and 60 postoperative days. Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid is effective in bone regeneration of circumferential bone defects.