Dental clinics in the Philippines offer a wide range of services — from quick routine visits to multi-session treatments. Understanding what each procedure involves, how long it takes, and roughly what it costs helps you plan ahead and have more productive conversations with your dentist.
Oral Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. The procedure involves scaling (scraping tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline), polishing, and usually a fluoride treatment. Most sessions take 30–60 minutes. Dentists recommend this every six months. Cost in the Philippines typically ranges from ₱300 to ₱800 depending on the clinic and the amount of buildup.
Tooth Extraction
Extraction is done when a tooth is severely decayed, damaged beyond repair, or needs removal for orthodontic reasons. A simple extraction (visible tooth with intact roots) takes a few minutes under local anesthesia and heals in a week. A surgical extraction — typically for impacted wisdom teeth — involves cutting through gum tissue and may require stitches, with a longer healing period of 1–2 weeks.
After extraction, follow your dentist's aftercare instructions carefully: avoid drinking through straws, do not smoke, and eat soft foods for a few days. Dry socket — a painful complication from blood clot disruption — is the most common issue when aftercare is not followed.
Dental Fillings
Fillings repair cavities caused by tooth decay. The procedure involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and filling the space with a restorative material. Tooth-colored composite resin is popular for front teeth because it blends naturally with enamel. Amalgam (silver) fillings are more durable and are often recommended for back teeth that bear heavy chewing pressure. A filling appointment typically takes 30–60 minutes. Multiple cavities can sometimes be treated in one visit.
Braces and Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment corrects misaligned teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems. Metal braces are the most affordable and effective option for most cases. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets that are less visible. Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) are the most discreet option but are significantly more expensive and not suitable for all cases.
Treatment typically takes 12 to 24 months, with monthly adjustment visits. You will need retainers after braces are removed to maintain the new tooth positions permanently.
Teeth Whitening
Professional in-clinic whitening uses a higher concentration bleaching agent than over-the-counter kits. Most in-clinic sessions take 60–90 minutes and can lighten teeth by several shades in a single visit. Results last 6–12 months depending on diet and habits (coffee, tea, smoking accelerate staining). Note that whitening does not work on crowns, veneers, or fillings — only natural tooth enamel.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal saves a severely infected or damaged tooth by removing the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and sealing it. The procedure is usually completed in 1–2 visits and is followed by a crown to protect the treated tooth. Despite its reputation, modern root canals are no more uncomfortable than a routine filling — the local anesthetic numbs the area completely.
Dental Crown
A crown is a cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or root canal-treated tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. The process takes two visits: the first to shape the tooth and take impressions, the second to cement the permanent crown. Crowns are made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
Dental Implant
An implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone as a permanent replacement for a missing tooth root. After the implant fuses with the bone (3–6 months), a crown is attached on top. Implants are the most natural-feeling tooth replacement option and last a lifetime with proper care, but they are also the most expensive — typically ₱40,000 to ₱80,000 per tooth in the Philippines.
Always ask for a written treatment plan and cost estimate before starting any multi-step procedure. You can compare price ranges across clinics by checking the Services section on each clinic profile on NgipenHub.