Dental Implants in the Philippines: Cost and Risks
The short answer.
Implant prices in the Philippines depend on the implant, the number of implants, extra procedures and the clinic, as they do anywhere. Check the dentist's credentials and what the quote covers, and plan for follow-up care once you're home.
The Philippines has become a popular destination for people looking for lower-cost dental implants. Paying less is appealing, but an implant is surgery with months of healing and follow-up, so it’s worth looking at the whole picture before you book. This guide covers what affects the cost of implants anywhere, how to choose a dentist, and the extra things to plan for when treatment is overseas. If you’d rather explore treatment closer to home, read about dental implants at Dental Spot in Croydon.
Why People Look at the Philippines
The main draw is price: implant quotes in the Philippines are often lower than in Australia. Some people also combine treatment with visiting family. The Conversation’s guide to dental tourism (another site) is a balanced read on what to consider before you go.
What Affects the Cost of Implants
These factors apply wherever you have treatment:
- Type of implant: different types of dental implants and brands cost different amounts.
- Number of implants: replacing one tooth costs less than replacing a full arch.
- Supplementary procedures: bone grafting, sinus lifts or gum grafts may be needed to prepare for the implant.
- The dentist’s experience: experienced implant dentists may charge more.
- Location: fees vary between cities and between clinics.
In Australia, CHOICE’s guide to dental fees (updated 9 March 2023, using the Australian Dental Association’s 2022 fee survey) puts the average fee for placing one implant at $1,334 to $3,000, and for the abutment at $400 to $1,404, depending on the state. The crown is extra: the survey’s closest item, a veneered crown on a natural tooth, mostly costs $1,250 to $2,100. Scans, extractions and bone grafts add to that. These are published Australian figures, not our fees: your quote depends on your teeth, so ask us for yours. Our guide to tooth implant costs in Australia explains more.
When you compare, check that each quote covers the same things: the scan, the implant post, the abutment, the crown, any extra procedures and the follow-up visits. For treatment overseas, add flights, accommodation and time off work.
What Implant Treatment Involves
Implant treatment follows several stages, wherever it happens:
Consultation
Your dentist assesses your oral health and takes X-rays or a scan to plan the implant.
Treatment planning
The plan sets out the type and number of implants and any extra procedures, such as a bone graft or sinus lift.
Implant placement
The implant is placed in the jawbone, usually under local anaesthetic.
Healing
The implant fuses with the bone over several months.
Abutment and crown
An abutment is attached and the crown, bridge or denture is fitted on top.
Maintenance
Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene help the implant last.
Because of the healing time, treatment overseas may mean two trips or a long stay.
Choosing a Dentist
Whether you have treatment here or overseas, ask about:
- Credentials and training: the dentist’s registration and their training in implant dentistry.
- Experience: how many cases like yours they treat.
- Planning: whether they take a 3D scan before surgery.
- The implant: the brand and model, and whether you’ll get the details in writing.
- Communication: a clear treatment plan and written costs, and answers to your questions.
Planning Treatment Overseas
- Follow-up care: treatment overseas often means returning home soon after surgery. Plan where you’ll have check-ups and how you’ll reach the treating dentist if something needs attention.
- Language: make sure you fully understand your treatment plan and aftercare instructions.
- Travel and recovery: travelling soon after surgery can be tiring, and you’ll need to rest and eat soft foods while you heal.
- Insurance: Australian private health insurance generally doesn’t cover treatment overseas. In Australia, some extras policies pay a benefit towards implants, and many clinics offer payment plans, so ask for the total cost and the terms.
The Australian Dental Association’s position is that Australians should seek elective dental care in Australia (policy statement 2.2.6 (another site)). If you do go overseas, the checks below help.
Before You Book
Smartraveller, the Australian Government’s travel advice service, notes that elective procedures can cost much less in some countries, and that while many hospitals overseas are of a similar standard to Australia’s, quality and standards in some countries can be poor. Its advice before you book treatment overseas includes:
- check that the dentist is registered with the local authority and has indemnity insurance;
- check whether your travel insurance covers complications from the treatment;
- get copies of your records to bring home.
For implants, also ask for your X-rays and the brand and size of each implant, so a dentist at home can look after them later. For other destinations, see our guide to dental implants overseas.
Frequently asked questions
How are Australian implant costs worked out?
The type of implant, the number of implants and any extra procedures all affect the price. A written quote should list each part of the treatment.
What are the risks of implants overseas?
As with any implant, there are surgical risks. Treatment overseas adds the challenges of follow-up care once you’re home, communication, travel while you recover and insurance cover.
Talk to Us
If you’re weighing up implants in the Philippines, we’re happy to explain what treatment here would involve and cost.
Sources
- Policy statement 2.2.6: Elective overseas dental treatment (another site), Australian Dental Association
- How much does the dentist cost? (another site), CHOICE, updated 9 March 2023
- Dental tourism: things to consider before going that extra mile for your smile (another site), The Conversation
- Medical tourism (another site), Smartraveller
This guide is general information, not advice about your own teeth. Your dentist can tell you what applies to you, including the risks of any treatment.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
