Socket preservation plugs have become one of the simplest ways for general dentists to graft an extraction site. But "plug" covers very different products. Some contain no graft mineral at all. Others combine collagen with a synthetic mineral or with animal-derived bone, and they differ in how they handle, whether they need a membrane, and how long they stay in the site.
Here's how the main types of plug grafts compare, and why we recommend OsteoGen® Plugs for routine socket preservation ahead of an implant.
The four things that separate one plug from another
- What's inside: collagen only, or collagen with a graft mineral. If there's a mineral, is it synthetic or animal-derived, and how fast does it resorb?
- Membrane: does the manufacturer's instructions for use call for a membrane, or only under certain conditions?
- Handling: does the plug hold its shape once it absorbs blood, or break down before you can close the site?
- The implant site: will the graft be replaced by the patient's own bone in time for implant placement?
Types of socket preservation plugs
Collagen-only plugs
Example: J. Morita Foundation, described by the company as a bovine atelocollagen-based bone filling material. It's placed after extraction with no membrane, and the company says implants can be placed 8 to 12 weeks later. No graft mineral is listed in its published product information, so it works as a scaffold rather than delivering bone graft material into the socket.
Synthetic carbonate apatite and collagen plugs
Example: Implant Direct OsteoPlug, made of 80% synthetic carbonate apatite granules and 20% bovine Type I collagen. Implant Direct states a membrane is not required if primary closure is achieved. Several other brands sell carbonate apatite plugs with similar designs.
Xenograft and collagen plugs
Examples:
- BioHorizons MinerOss X Plug: 80% bovine cancellous particulate and 20% bovine Type I collagen.
- ACE NuOss XC: deproteinized bovine granules with Type I bovine collagen, designed to expand in the socket.
- Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen: Geistlich Bio-Oss with about 10% porcine collagen. Geistlich notes the collagen resorbs within a few weeks and doesn't replace the barrier function of a membrane.
Deproteinized bovine bone is known for resorbing very slowly. That can help maintain volume, but if an implant is planned, residual graft particles may still be present when you drill.
OsteoGen Plugs: synthetic, resorbable calcium apatite in collagen
OsteoGen Plugs combine Impladent's OsteoGen bioactive, resorbable calcium apatite crystals with a Type I bovine Achilles tendon collagen carrier.
- No membrane: place the plug dry into the socket and suture over it.
- Holds its shape: the plug absorbs blood and expands slightly for a snug fit, rather than breaking down during placement.
- Resorbs on an implant timeline: radiolucent at placement and radiopaque in about 3–6 months as host bone replaces the graft.
- Synthetic mineral: no human or animal bone in the graft crystals.
Side-by-side comparison
| Plug type | Example | Graft mineral | Membrane (per manufacturer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen only | J. Morita Foundation | None listed | Not required |
| Carbonate apatite + collagen | Implant Direct OsteoPlug | Synthetic carbonate apatite (80%) | Not required if primary closure is achieved |
| Xenograft + collagen | BioHorizons MinerOss X, ACE NuOss XC, Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen | Deproteinized bovine bone | Varies by product. Check the IFU. |
| OsteoGen Plug | Impladent OsteoGen Plug | Synthetic, resorbable OsteoGen calcium apatite | Not required |
Watch: plug grafts side by side
In this 6-minute video, we compare OsteoGen Plugs with other plug grafts out of the package and after hydration. It starts at the hydration and handling test.
- 0:00 – Introduction
- 0:42 – Dry product comparison
- 1:45 – Hydration and handling tests
- 3:47 – Clinical application risks
- 5:07 – Final recommendations
Frequently asked questions
Are all socket preservation plugs bone grafts?
No. Some plugs are collagen-based with no graft mineral listed by the manufacturer. Others combine collagen with a synthetic mineral (such as carbonate apatite or OsteoGen calcium apatite) or with deproteinized bovine bone. Check the composition before you choose.
Do graft plugs need a membrane?
It depends on the product. Check each manufacturer's instructions for use. OsteoGen Plugs are placed dry and sutured with no membrane.
What should I look for if I plan to place an implant?
A graft that resorbs and is replaced by the patient's own bone within your treatment timeline, so you aren't drilling through residual graft particles. OsteoGen typically becomes radiopaque in about 3–6 months.
Why does handling matter for a plug graft?
A plug that holds its shape when it absorbs blood is easier to place and stays in the socket. Plugs that break down quickly can be hard to position and may wash out before the site is closed.
Learn more and shop
- OsteoGen Plugs: Slim, Large and X-Large, single plugs or boxes of 5, 10 or 25
- OsteoGen Plugs Buy 5 Get 1 Free: our ongoing bulk bundle
- OsteoGen Plug vs. collagen plug vs. allograft: how plugs compare with traditional grafting
- OsteoGen Plug technique and healing timeline
Product details for other brands are taken from each manufacturer's published product information as of October 2026 and may change. Always check the current instructions for use. The chart reflects GoldenDent's own evaluation. All product names are trademarks of their respective owners. OsteoGen® is a registered trademark of Impladent Ltd. This article is for dental professionals and is general information only.
