The Complete Guide to Getting Dental Implants in the Philippines

Getting dental implants in the Philippines costs 60-75% less than in the US or UK, with single implants running ₱70,000 to ₱120,000 (about US$1,200 to US$2,100). This guide covers everything you need to know: implant types, clinic options, costs, payment plans, and what to expect during recovery.

A smile is worth a thousand words, so they say. But not with missing teeth. Dental implants, invented in 1952, have become the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants serve as artificial roots for missing teeth. The fixture integrates into the jawbone and fuses with the bone over several months. This pseudo-root then supports a replacement tooth or bridge.

Having a dental implant procedure abroad is a different experience than having it in your home country. This guide covers dental tourism in the Philippines: what to expect, the implant systems available, their costs, and what payment options are open to you.

Why Dental Implants?

There are three main options for dental prosthetic replacement: dentures, dental bridgework, and dental implants.

Complete or partial dentures are the cheapest option but also the least convenient. They can be removed, affect taste, and make eating less enjoyable.

Before dental implants became widespread, bridgework was the most popular restorative choice. However, since bridgework depends heavily on remaining natural teeth for support, it has become a lesser preference for those who want a more stable solution.

In contrast, dental implants integrate into the bone structure and do not affect adjacent teeth. They are conservative and closely replicate the look and feel of natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Aside from better stability and longevity, dental implants offer a range of benefits:

• Better appearance due to natural look and feel
• Ability to bite and chew food naturally
• No restrictions on speaking, since there is no risk of slipping dentures
• Improved self-confidence from a restored natural smile
• Easy to clean, supporting better oral health
• More cost-efficient over time since they do not require regular replacement the way dentures and bridges do
• Prevents bone loss even after tooth loss
• No gum irritation or recurring side effects

Are Dental Implants the Right Choice for You?

The main consideration is financial: dental implants cost more than dentures or bridgework upfront. However, they last longer and rarely need replacement, which makes them cost-effective over time. They also stimulate the jaw, preventing bone deterioration that dentures and bridges cannot prevent.

With dentures or bridges, continuous adjustments and replacements are often required as the jawline repositions over time.

Your oral and overall health also determine whether implants are right for you. Chronic gum disease and recession can reduce implant success rates. Diabetics and patients with conditions that affect healing may not be suitable candidates. Seniors with weakened immune systems may have better outcomes with traditional solutions.

Jaw structure is also a factor. Shallow, small, or weak jaws may require additional procedures such as bone grafting before an implant can be placed.

Why the Philippines?

If you are looking to have your dental implants done abroad, here are the main reasons the Philippines stands out.

Less Expensive

The average cost of dental implants in the US is around US$3,500 to US$6,000 per tooth. In the UK, a single implant costs around £2,500 to £3,500 (about US$3,200 to US$4,500). These figures often exclude the prosthetic or additional procedures like bone grafting. Multiple implants can push total costs into the tens of thousands.

In the Philippines, a single dental implant averages ₱70,000 to ₱120,000 (about US$1,200 to US$2,100 as of 2026). A crownless implant typically costs ₱60,000 to ₱80,000; an implant with a titanium crown usually ranges from ₱75,000 to ₱100,000; and an implant with a monolithic zirconia crown can run ₱90,000 to ₱120,000. Clinics frequently offer package pricing or discounts for multiple implants. Expats who have gone through the process recommend getting price estimates from at least two or three clinics before committing, as pricing can vary significantly even within Metro Manila.

For patients needing multiple teeth replaced, All-on-4 implants are often more cost-effective than individual implants.

Vibrant Tourism

The Philippines has 7,641 islands with white sandy beaches, hot springs, nature walks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since some implant steps require weeks of healing between appointments, it is a good opportunity to travel between visits.

Manila is a convenient base for reaching other destinations. From Manila, domestic flights and buses leave daily to:

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• Baguio — The City of Pines, known for rich pine forests and a cooler climate, a quick escape from Manila.
• Mountain Province — Home to tribes that welcome visitors; best explored with a local guide across rugged terrain.
• Bohol — Home to the Tarsier and the UNESCO-protected Chocolate Hills, 1,200 hills that turn brown in summer.
• Cebu — A premier diving and snorkeling destination with whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea caves.
• Boracay — Known for its fine white sand beaches and emerald waters.
• Palawan — Home to preserved shipwrecks in Coron and the UNESCO-protected underground river near Puerto Princesa.
• Davao — A large metropolitan area in Mindanao, gateway to Mount Apo and Samal Island.

English-Speaking Dentists and Staff

Communication with your dentist is critical for a procedure like this. In the Philippines, dentists and dental staff are fluent in English, and all documents are written in English. You will not have to worry about language barriers at any stage of your treatment.

Highly Qualified Dentists

Since 2006, the dentistry profession in the Philippines has been tightly regulated. Dentists must complete two years of pre-dental education followed by four years of dental education to earn their Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. They must then pass a rigorous two-part licensure exam covering both theoretical and practical components. Many Philippine dentists have also received training or education abroad, which is common rather than exceptional.

Modern Dental Clinics

Dental tourism clinics in the Philippines are equipped with modern dental chairs, computerized diagnostic systems, and state-of-the-art facilities comparable to Western standards. Clinics that regularly treat foreign patients have a strong incentive to maintain those standards.

High Success Rates

With qualified dentists, modern facilities, and global standards of care, success rates for dental implants in the Philippines exceed 90%. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and conditions like diabetes can reduce that rate, as they negatively affect the healing process. Most reputable dental clinics also offer guarantees on their work.

Types of Dental Implants Available in the Philippines

Single-Tooth Implant

A single-tooth implant replaces one missing tooth with one implant and one crown. The process begins with a small titanium cylinder screwed into the gum or jaw, which the dentist allows to fuse with the jawbone over two to six months. A temporary tooth prosthetic can cover the site during this period.

After fusion, an extension is attached to complete the base for the permanent tooth. The gum is then allowed to heal for two weeks. The final step is placing the crown onto the abutment. Single-stage implant systems skip the second step, as they come with an extension already attached.

All-On-4 Implants

Also known as a full jaw implant bridge, All-On-4 implants replace an entire arch of teeth using just four implants with permanent dentures attached. It is suited for patients with multiple missing or broken teeth and requires removal of any remaining teeth in the arch.

The process starts with a dental evaluation, X-rays, and CT scans to determine implant positioning and bone condition. Tooth extraction and implant installation are done in the same appointment, followed by a three to five day waiting period. A teeth impression is taken on the same day or shortly after for the custom hybrid bridge, which is then installed in a subsequent visit. The final step is placement of the permanent crown.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini dental implants are smaller than conventional implants. They are used to anchor dentures, permanent bridges, and crowns, and are made of titanium to serve as both root and attachment fixture.

What You Need To Do Before an Implant

Ask Questions

Language is not a barrier in the Philippines, so ask as many questions as you need. In particular, ask about:

• The dentist’s qualifications, accreditations, and area of specialization
• The clinic’s experience with dental implants
• Before-and-after photos and testimonials from previous patients
• The tools and materials they will use
• What to do if complications arise
• The aftercare requirements and what to expect during recovery
• Payment options and insurance coverage

Avoid Smoking and Drinking

Smoking and drinking can negatively affect the fusion of bone and implant. Heavy smokers and drinkers should minimize both during the period leading up to the procedure.

Boost Your Immune System

Your overall health at the time of the procedure affects how well it goes. A cold or fever may cause your dentist to postpone the procedure.

Follow the Dentist’s Instructions

Patients who will be sedated should not eat or drink for six hours before surgery. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis, taken one hour before the procedure (or six hours prior if being sedated). Disclose any drug allergies, particularly penicillin, and inform your dentist of any current medications, especially anticoagulants.

Dental Implants Step-by-Step

Physical Examinations

Before flying to the Philippines, email a digital copy of your panoramic X-ray to your chosen clinic. This allows you to agree on a preliminary treatment plan, estimated cost, and payment arrangement before committing to travel. The plan may change after a full in-person evaluation, which includes:

Blood Chemistry — Identifies risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension that may affect implant placement or healing.

Mouth Physiology — The dentist examines biting, occlusion, and bone condition to diagnose tooth decay, gum disease, and biting anomalies. Bruxism and teeth clenching need to be corrected before implant placement.

X-Ray — Determines whether the jaw has sufficient bone mass to support the implant. If not, bone grafting or augmentation may be required before placement.

CT Scan — Determines exact bone height for precise implant positioning.

Bone Grafting and Tooth Extraction

Depending on your physical exam results, this step may not be necessary. If it is, bone grafting requires four to twelve months to heal properly before you can have your implant placed.

Placing the Implant

The metal screw serving as the anchor is inserted into the bone under anesthesia, a procedure that takes one to two hours. Healing takes up to five months on the lower jaw and seven months on the upper jaw.

Placing the Healing Collar

A temporary crown is placed on the head of the implant to guide gum tissue healing. It stays in place for ten to fourteen days.

Placing the Abutment

After the gum heals, the healing collar is removed and the abutment is screwed onto the implant. An impression is taken for the permanent crown, and a temporary crown is placed while the tissues around it heal over four to six weeks. The impression is sent to a dental lab for the permanent crown fabrication.

Placing the Permanent Crown

The final step involves placing the replacement tooth. The crown can either be screwed onto the abutment or cemented in place. Cementing is often preferred for a more natural appearance.

Implant Systems Available in the Philippines and Costs

The three most widely used implant systems in the Philippines are Osstem, Straumann, and Nobel Biocare. Each has distinct characteristics and a different price range.

Osstem implants are best known for strong osseointegration between the implant and bone tissues. They are designed to minimize residual substances during manufacturing, helping ensure high cleanliness standards and reliable jawbone integration.

Straumann implants are among the most widely used systems in the world. The system supports faster healing and improved gum tissue response. Its Morse taper connection provides excellent stability and a tight seal that reduces bacterial infiltration.

Nobel Biocare implants are typically priced at the premium end. They are manufactured using commercially pure titanium with advanced surface technology designed to improve durability and long-term success. The proprietary TiUnite surface is designed to enhance bone formation and implant stability.

Here is an overview of approximate prices for each system:

System	Procedure	Price (PHP)
Osstem implants	Surgery	₱60,000 – ₱80,000
Osstem implants	Crown	₱30,000 – ₱40,000
Straumann implants	Surgery	₱90,000 – ₱120,000
Straumann implants	Crown	₱40,000 – ₱60,000
Nobel Biocare implants	Surgery	₱110,000 – ₱150,000
Nobel Biocare implants	Crown	₱60,000 – ₱80,000
Others	Extraction of erupted tooth	₱1,500 – ₱3,000
Others	Surgical removal of impacted tooth	₱8,000 – ₱15,000
Others	Medical titanium implant	₱45,000 – ₱70,000

Contact your dental clinic before flying to the Philippines so you can prepare financially and agree on the approach in advance.

Clinics for Dental Implants

Not all dentists can perform dental implant surgery. Look for a dental implant specialist who can comprehensively offer dental exams, X-rays, and impressions. The initial consultation is a key indicator of whether the clinic can meet your needs.

You can have the procedure done in Manila or in other major cities. For a broader search, Dental Departures helps foreigners find accredited dental clinics across the Philippines.

Metro Manila

Metro Manila is the capital region and home to the largest concentration of dental clinics.

Sacred Heart Dental Clinic

Sacred Heart Dental Clinic is Global Clinic Rating (GCR) accredited and located in Caloocan City. They offer local phone numbers for patients calling from Australia and the US. The clinic uses immediately loadable implants via minimally invasive surgery, which reduces swelling and discomfort by avoiding cuts into the gum tissue.

Adajar Dental Clinic

Adajar Dental Clinic is located in Pasig City and is known for its high-profile clientele in Philippine television. Dr. Cielo Adajar is a member of several dental associations in the Philippines and internationally.

Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center

Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC) has multiple branches in Metro Manila and Cebu City. Founded by Dr. Steve Mark Gan, it is the first luxury dental clinic in the Philippines and a leader in dental tourism. The clinic has six dental implantologists, collaborates with international consultants in Europe, the US, and Asia, and can serve Chinese-speaking patients.

Cebu City

Cebu City is the gateway to tourist destinations including Malapascua Island, Boracay, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, and Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor. It is also a practical base for patients who prefer to stay outside Manila during their healing period. Check out our guide to dental clinics in Manila for more options if you prefer to stay in the capital.

Cebu Dental Implants

Cebu Dental Implants is led by Dr. Oliver Seno, with more than three decades of experience in implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and orthodontics.

Davao City

Davao City is in Mindanao and is the base for visits to Mount Apo, the Britania Islands in Surigao del Sur, and Catarman Church Ruins in Camiguin.

Sky Medical & Dental Clinic and Implant Center

Sky Medical & Dental Clinic and Implant Center has received multiple Best Choice Awards including Most Trusted Dental Care Treatment Center in Davao City. The clinic is led by Dr. Carlos Capitan II and includes South Korean dentist Dr. Kyongsup Yim.

Lebosada Dental Clinic

Lebosada Dental Clinic is headed by Dr. Lourdes Lebosada and Dr. Ken Tingson. The clinic specializes in the Dio Dental Implant, a computer-aided dental prosthesis system that allows the entire prosthesis treatment to be completed in a single day: morning scan, evening placement.

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Halasan Dental Clinic

Dr. Ruel John Halasan leads Halasan Dental Clinic with a focus on highly personal service. Dr. Halasan provides patients with his personal mobile number for emergencies or follow-up questions. The clinic also assists with insurance and financing issues.

Payment Options

Cash

Paying in Philippine pesos is the most straightforward option and is preferred by most clinics. Some clinics offer installment plans for qualified patients, though these are not always advertised, so ask directly.

Credit Card

Most major credit cards are accepted. If you hold a card from a local bank such as Banco de Oro (BDO) or Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), you may qualify for six or twelve-month installment plans at 0% interest, depending on current promotions.

PayPal

Some clinics accept PayPal. Confirm this in advance, as it is not universal.

SSS

Social welfare benefits cover only emergency dental treatments. Since dental implants are elective, they do not qualify for SSS coverage.

Health Insurance

Dental implants are generally not covered by health insurance. However, depending on your plan and the cause of tooth loss, there may be partial coverage. Most private insurance plans categorize implants as a major procedure, typically covered at around 50%. Check with your provider about waiting periods, which can be up to one year before major procedures are covered. For expats traveling specifically for dental treatment, choose a plan that covers treatments done abroad in Southeast Asia.

For complete information on health coverage options in the Philippines, see our health insurance Philippines guide.

HMO

HMO plans do not cover dental implants directly, but other provisions in most HMO plans can be used to partially offset miscellaneous services that accompany the implant procedure. HMOs are prepaid cards valid for one year and available to both locals and expats.

Private Health Insurance

Insurance plans typically categorize procedures into three tiers: preventative care (100% covered), basic procedures like extractions and fillings (around 80% covered), and major procedures like dental implants, crowns, and dentures (around 50% covered).

One provider that covers restorative dentistry is ACS. Their Gold Plan covers 90% of actual expenses up to US$150 per tooth (maximum four teeth).

Cigna offers two dental plans: Dental 1500 covers up to US$1,500 per year and Dental 1000 covers up to US$1,000 per year.

Delta Dental has two plans that may qualify for implant coverage: Delta Dental PPO or Delta Dental Premier plans. Request a pre-treatment estimate first to understand the extent of coverage.

Post-Op Care

After surgery, expect some swelling, pain, minor bleeding, and bruising. If any symptoms last longer than expected or seem concerning, contact your dentist. Key post-op care steps include:

Maintain Proper Oral Healthcare

Rinse your mouth with warm saline solution five to six times a day starting the day after the procedure to reduce infection risk. Brush gently around the implant area, and avoid touching the site with fingers or tongue to protect the blood clot. Use mouthwash containing chlorhexidine if needed. Replace floss with a water flosser or Waterpik temporarily. See your dentist for a check-up every six months.

Take Plenty of Rest

Avoid exercise, weight lifting, bending exercises, and vigorous activity immediately after surgery. These can cause bleeding or throbbing at the implant site. Rest accelerates healing and reduces the risk of complications.

Eat Soft, Healthy Food

Stay hydrated and stick to soft, nourishing food: soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Check with your dentist before moving to semi-solid food, as they will advise when bleeding has sufficiently stopped.

Keep Head Elevated When Sleeping

Prop your head up with two pillows. The elevation helps improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

Managing the Pain

Some dentists recommend taking pain medication immediately after the procedure regardless of whether you feel pain yet. Apply an ice pack to the area in 15-minute intervals: on for 15 minutes, off for 15 minutes.

Now, on to You

Getting dental implants in the Philippines is a practical and cost-effective option for expats, with world-class care at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the US or UK. The combination of qualified dentists, modern clinics, English-speaking staff, and a beautiful country to recover in makes it a compelling choice.

Do your research, send your X-rays ahead of time, and get quotes from multiple clinics before booking your flights. And if you are planning a longer stay in the Philippines to manage the multi-month implant process, our guide to cost of living in the Philippines will help you budget the whole trip.

Please note: The information provided by ExpatDen is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for medical or healthcare advice. It is strongly recommended that you seek guidance and consultation from a licensed medical practitioner or qualified healthcare professional pertaining to your specific circumstances and healthcare needs.