Answered by an NYU-Trained Surgeon
Dental implants are often the best long-term solution for missing teeth—but they come with plenty of questions. Below, we dive deep into each one, giving you the context, details, and practical tips you need before booking your 3-D implant assessment at Eximus Dental’s Centuria Medical Makati office.
Pricing Disclaimer
The cost figures in this article are industry averages gathered from independent market research. They do not represent Eximus Dental’s current fees. For our most accurate, up-to-date pricing and any ongoing promotions, please reach out to us directly.
1. How much do dental implants cost in Makati?
On average, a single implant (fixture + abutment + custom crown) at top Makati clinics runs around ₱90,000. That number reflects the mid-range of most providers—premium systems (e.g., Straumann, Nobel Biocare) can push toward ₱110,000–₱120,000, while value brands start around ₱70,000–₱80,000. What drives these prices?
- Implant brand & material: Higher-grade titanium or ceramic implants tested for superior osseointegration cost more.
- Digital planning & guides: Fully guided, CBCT-based placement adds lab and software fees.
- Lab-fabricated crown: Zirconia vs. porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns vary in material and milling costs.
- Sedation & surgical complexity: IV sedation or bone-grafting procedures add to your fee.
Because Eximus Dental handles 3-D scans, planning, and crown design in-house, you avoid outsourcing markups. We’ll give you a clear, itemized quote after your initial assessment—no hidden fees.
2. Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report that implant surgery feels very similar to having a tooth extracted. Here’s what to expect:
- Anesthesia: We use local anesthesia (same as for extractions) – you won’t feel sharp pain, just pressure or vibration.
- Optional sedation: For anxious patients, oral sedation or IV sedation (“twilight sleep”) helps you relax and often leaves you with minimal memory of the procedure.
- During surgery: You may sense movement, tapping, or light pressure as the implant is seated, but no pain.
- Post-op soreness:
- 24–48 hours: Mild throbbing or aching is normal—manageable with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- 3–7 days: Swelling and bruising peak, then subside; cold compresses and soft foods help.
- 2 weeks: Sutures dissolve or are removed; most swelling is gone.
Strict after-care instructions—like avoiding straws, rinsing gently, and sticking to soft foods—minimize discomfort and speed healing.
3. What’s the success rate in 2025?
Dental implants today benefit from decades of research and precision manufacturing:
- Global averages: Modern 5-year survival rates hover around 95 %, with some large-scale studies reporting up to 98 % success when proper protocols are followed.
- Factors boosting success:
- Surface treatments on implant fixtures promote faster bone bonding.
- Guided-surgery templates ensure implants go exactly where the bone is thickest.
- 3-D planning avoids vital structures, reducing surgical trauma.
Your long-term outcome also depends on:
- Oral hygiene: Daily brushing, flossing around implants, and chlorhexidine rinses when recommended.
- Regular maintenance: Professional cleanings every 3–6 months to check for early signs of peri-implantitis.
- Lifestyle: Quitting smoking and managing systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes) dramatically improve implant longevity.
4. How long will the implant last?
Once an implant fuses to your jawbone (osseointegration), the titanium or zirconia fixture can last a lifetime—mirroring the permanence of your natural tooth roots. The crown placed atop the abutment is the wear component and typically needs replacement:
- Porcelain crowns: 8–12 years average lifespan.
- Solid zirconia crowns: 12–15 years, thanks to superior fracture resistance.
To maximize both fixture and crown life:
- Night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Routine check-ups to catch wear or looseness early.
- Avoid biting extreme forces (e.g., ice-crunching, hard candies).
With conscientious home care and professional follow-ups, many patients enjoy 15+ years of trouble-free function—often well beyond two decades.
5. How long does the whole process take?
Classic implant treatment follows a two-stage protocol:
- Day 0: Implant placement under anesthesia; sutures placed.
- Weeks 1–2: Soft-tissue healing; mild swelling/bruising resolves.
- Months 2–4: Osseointegration—bone grows onto the implant surface.
- Month 3–6: Abutment connection and impression for your crown.
- Month 4–7: Crown fabrication and final seating.
Total time: 3–6 months from start to finish.
If you qualify for immediate-loading, a temporary crown can be affixed on the same day—then swapped for a definitive restoration once bone healing is confirmed. This “teeth-in-weeks” approach still requires the standard 3–6 month integration but spares you a second surgical visit for prosthetic access.
6. Can I get same-day (“immediate-loading”) implants?
Yes—under the right conditions:
- Sufficient primary stability: Your implant must achieve torque above ~35 Ncm at placement.
- Bone quality: Dense bone (often in the front jaw) integrates faster.
- Low occlusal load: Temporary crowns designed out of direct bite force.
Clinical data shows one-year survival rates of 95–97 % for immediate-loading in suitable cases. Pros include a provisional smile from day 1 and fewer surgical appointments. Cons include slightly higher risk of micromovement if you overload the temporary crown. At Eximus, we plan meticulously with 3-D scans to decide whether you’re a candidate—and if not, we default to the proven two-stage method for rock-solid long-term predictability.
7. What if I don’t have enough bone?
Bone deficiency is the most common hurdle—but completely addressable:
- Autogenous grafts: Bone harvested from your chin or ramus offers the highest success rate but requires a second surgical site.
- Allografts/xenografts: Donor or bovine bone avoids extra harvesting but integrates slightly slower.
- Sinus lift: For upper-jaw implants near the sinus, we lift the membrane and graft new bone underneath.
Each graft adds 2–3 months of healing time and approximately ₱30,000–₱40,000 per quadrant. At Centuria Medical, we perform grafting and implant placement in-house, avoiding outside referrals and letting you complete treatment under one roof. Modern biologics (e.g., growth-factor-enriched membranes) further speed bone formation and reduce post-op discomfort.
8. Who’s a good candidate (and who isn’t)?
Ideal candidates:
- Healthy adults with adequate jawbone.
- Committed to excellent home care and recall visits.
Relative contraindications (we evaluate on a case-by-case basis):
- Smoking – lowers blood flow and slows bone healing.
- Uncontrolled diabetes – impairs immune response.
- Autoimmune disorders or immunosuppressants – raise infection risk.
- Severe bruxism – risk of overloading the implant.
We’ll review your medical history, conduct blood-pressure and glucose checks, and use 3-D CBCT imaging to ensure you have the bone volume and density required. In borderline cases, we might recommend preliminary medical optimization (e.g., smoking cessation programs or diabetes management) before proceeding.
9. What could go wrong?
While implants are a predictable therapy, knowing potential pitfalls prepares you:
- Peri-implantitis: Infection around the implant—prevented with strict plaque control and professional cleanings.
- Micromovement: Premature loading can disrupt osseointegration; we enforce soft-diet protocols when needed.
- Prosthetic misfit: Precise digital impressions and CAD/CAM milling minimize crown misalignment.
- Systemic factors: Poor healing in smokers or diabetics raises failure risk by 2–3×.
Across 15 years of data, cumulative failure sits around 5–10 %—meaning 90–95 % of implants remain fully functional long-term. Early signs like persistent bleeding, pain, or loosening warrant immediate evaluation so we can intervene before significant bone loss occurs.
10. Why choose Makati over my home country?
Value & quality converge in the Philippines:
- Cost savings: Pay 50 %–70 % less than equivalent care in the U.S., Europe, or Australia—without sacrificing materials or expertise.
- World-class training: Many Filipino oral surgeons hold advanced certifications from NYU, Tufts, and other top global institutions.
- English proficiency: Clear communication at every step.
- Dental-tourism ecosystem: Makati – a safe, walkable business district – hosts top hotels, shopping, and concierge services around Centuria Medical.
In 2023, dental tourism generated USD 436 million in revenue for the Philippines, and that figure is projected to reach USD 1.67 billion by 2030 (CAGR ≈ 21 %) thanks to our blend of affordability, quality, and hospitality. Patients bundle their implant care with a short vacation—arriving anxious and leaving with a confident new smile.
Next Steps
- Book your 3-D Implant Assessment at Eximus Dental, Centuria Medical Makati.
- We’ll review your medical history, CBCT scans, and smile goals.
- Receive a detailed treatment plan, timeline, and transparent cost breakdown.
Ready for a lasting, confident smile? Click below to schedule your consultation today