Dental Implants Makati

DevelopDent · Legazpi Village, Makati CBD

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth at the root level — providing a stable, bone-integrated foundation for a crown. At DevelopDent, implant cases are planned carefully: the bone volume, bite, and long-term maintenance are considered from the first assessment, before the first incision is made. DevelopDent places Osstem implants.

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What This Page Covers

What a dental implant is and how it works
When you are a candidate for an implant
The treatment sequence, step by step
Implants vs bridges — how to choose
Pricing guidance and FAQs
Overview

What a dental implant actually is


A dental implant is a titanium screw placed into the jawbone to replicate the function of a natural tooth root. Over a period of weeks to months, the bone integrates around the implant surface — a process called osseointegration — forming a stable, load-bearing foundation. A crown is then attached on top.

The implant system used at DevelopDent is Osstem, a dental implant manufacturer founded in South Korea in 1997 and now one of the most widely documented implant systems in clinical literature, with ISO and CE certification and placement in over 80 countries. Long-term survival data for Osstem implants is published in peer-reviewed journals and is comparable to the most established implant brands globally.

The implant restoration is a three-part structure:

Part 01 Implant fixture The titanium screw placed into the jawbone. This integrates with the bone and provides the structural foundation.
Part 02 Abutment A connector attached to the implant fixture, above the bone and gumline, that supports and retains the crown.
Part 03 Implant crown The visible tooth-shaped restoration fixed onto the abutment. Typically a zirconia or emax crown, fabricated in a laboratory.

This page is part of the Dental Implants & Oral Surgery services at DevelopDent.

Candidacy

Who is a candidate for a dental implant


Implant placement requires adequate bone volume and a patient who is medically suitable for a minor surgical procedure. A full clinical assessment is needed before candidacy is confirmed. Common indications include:

A single missing tooth where adjacent teeth are intact and should not be prepared for a bridge
Multiple missing teeth where individual implants or an implant-supported bridge can restore function
A tooth that has been extracted or is planned for extraction, and the site is appropriate for implant placement
Adequate bone volume and density at the site — confirmed by radiographic assessment
Completed skeletal growth (generally over 18 years old)
Good general health and no uncontrolled systemic conditions that would impair healing
When implants may not be appropriate Uncontrolled diabetes, active periodontal disease, certain medications (including bisphosphonates and some anticoagulants), active smoking, and insufficient bone volume may affect candidacy or require additional steps before implant placement. If bone volume is insufficient, bone grafting may be discussed as a preceding procedure. The treating dentist will assess your specific situation and be direct about what is and isn't clinically viable.
Implant vs Bridge

Two approaches to a missing tooth


When a tooth is missing, a dental implant and a dental bridge are the two primary fixed replacement options. They suit different clinical situations and patient circumstances.

Dental implant
Does not involve the adjacent teeth. Integrates with the jawbone and prevents bone loss at the extraction site. Generally the longer-term solution — a well-maintained implant can last decades. Involves a surgical phase and a healing period of several months before the final crown is placed. Higher initial cost.
Dental bridge
Fixed restoration supported by the adjacent teeth, which are prepared (reduced) to serve as abutments. No surgery required. Completed more quickly — typically two to three appointments. The adjacent teeth are involved even if they are healthy, which is a trade-off worth considering. Less costly initially. Does not prevent bone loss at the site of the missing tooth over time.

The treating dentist will discuss both options in the context of your clinical situation — including the condition of adjacent teeth, bone volume, timeline, and budget — so you can make an informed decision.

The Process

Implant treatment — the full sequence


Dental implant treatment is a multi-stage process. The total timeline — from first assessment to final crown — typically spans three to six months, depending on whether bone grafting is required and how quickly the implant integrates. Each stage is planned before it begins.

1

Assessment and planning

The treating dentist examines the site clinically and with targeted intraoral radiography to assess bone volume, adjacent tooth condition, and the health of the surrounding gum tissue. Candidacy is confirmed, the implant position and dimensions are selected, and the full treatment sequence — including whether grafting is required — is outlined with associated timelines and fees.

2

Extraction and site preparation (if needed)

If the tooth to be replaced has not yet been removed, extraction is performed with attention to preserving the surrounding bone. In some cases, the implant can be placed at the same appointment as extraction (immediate placement) if the socket condition is suitable. Where bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft is placed and allowed to heal before implant surgery.

3

Implant placement surgery

Under local anaesthesia, a small incision is made in the gum and a precisely sized channel is prepared in the bone. The Osstem implant fixture is placed into the channel and the gum is sutured closed. Post-operative instructions are given clearly. Most patients manage the first few days with standard over-the-counter analgesics; significant swelling or pain beyond the first 48 hours should prompt a call to the clinic.

4

Osseointegration — healing period

The implant is left undisturbed while the bone grows and adheres to the titanium surface. This takes approximately three to six months depending on bone density and the implant site. A review appointment confirms integration before the restoration phase begins. The implant cannot be loaded with a crown before integration is confirmed — premature loading is one of the most common causes of implant failure.

5

Abutment and crown placement

Once integration is confirmed, the abutment is connected to the implant fixture and a digital impression is taken with the 3D intraoral scanner. The implant crown — typically zirconia — is fabricated in the laboratory and fitted at a subsequent appointment. The bite is confirmed and the fit is assessed before final cementation or screw-retention.

6

Ongoing maintenance

Implants require regular professional maintenance — implant cleaning with titanium instruments, soft tissue assessment, and radiographic monitoring at appropriate intervals. Good oral hygiene at home and regular professional care are the primary determinants of long-term implant survival. Peri-implantitis — infection around the implant — is preventable with consistent maintenance and early intervention if signs appear.

Three-dimensional intraoral scan of a dental arch during implant planning at DevelopDent Dental Clinic in Makati
3D intraoral scanning is part of implant planning at DevelopDent. Read more about 3D scanning →
Why DevelopDent

How implant cases are approached here


Planned as a complete case, not a single procedure
Implant placement is one stage in a longer sequence. At DevelopDent, the full case — extraction if needed, grafting if indicated, implant placement, healing period, and final crown — is planned and explained at the assessment stage. Patients understand the timeline and total cost before committing to treatment.
Osstem — globally certified, clinically documented
Founded in South Korea in 1997, Osstem is now one of the most widely placed implant systems in the world — with ISO and CE certification, peer-reviewed long-term survival data, and an established distributor network across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. This matters practically: components remain available globally, so if a part needs replacement years from now, it can be sourced.
Targeted radiography at every stage
Periapical radiographs are taken before placement to assess bone volume, at the time of fixture placement to confirm position, and at regular intervals during osseointegration and maintenance. The implant is not loaded until radiographic integration is confirmed — not estimated by feel alone.
Honest about when implants are not the right answer
Implants are not appropriate for every patient or every site. Where bone volume is insufficient and grafting is not indicated, where systemic health makes the surgical risk significant, or where a bridge is simply the better long-term option for the patient, this is stated plainly. If you want an independent view on an implant recommendation made elsewhere, a second opinion consultation is available.
Cost Structure

How implant fees are determined


Implant treatment is staged — and each stage is priced separately. The total cost reflects which stages your specific case requires, not a single flat fee.

What drives the cost The implant fixture and the implant prosthesis (crown and abutment) are the two universal components of a single-tooth implant case. Additional cost is added when the case requires extraction, bone grafting (when the existing bone volume is insufficient), sinus lifting (for upper posterior teeth with limited bone height), or soft tissue grafting around the implant site. Whether these are needed is determined from clinical examination and imaging. The treating dentist provides a complete, itemised written plan after assessment — so the total cost is clear before any surgical step begins.

International patients flying in from abroad for implant work receive the same itemised written plan in Philippine pesos after the diagnostic assessment, before any surgical step begins. If you have already received an implant quotation elsewhere and want an independent review of the clinical plan, a structured second opinion consultation at DevelopDent is available.

Questions

Dental implants — frequently asked


Is implant surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and should not be painful during surgery. Post-operative discomfort — soreness, mild swelling, and some pressure sensitivity — is normal for the first two to three days and is typically managed with over-the-counter analgesics. The treating dentist will advise on what to take and what to watch for after the procedure.

How long does the whole process take?

From implant placement to the final crown, the process typically takes three to six months — the majority of this time is the healing period when the implant is integrating with the bone and requires no clinical visits. If bone grafting is required before placement, the total timeline extends by an additional three to four months for the graft to consolidate.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last decades with proper maintenance. The implant fixture, once integrated, is designed to be a long-term solution — clinical studies document survival rates above 90% at ten years. The implant crown may need to be replaced earlier depending on wear, material choice, and biting habits. Consistent professional maintenance and good oral hygiene are the primary factors in long-term implant survival.

What if I do not have enough bone?

Insufficient bone is one of the most common reasons patients are told they cannot have an implant. In many cases, bone grafting can rebuild the volume needed to support an implant — either at the time of tooth extraction (socket preservation) or as a separate procedure before implant placement. Where the deficit is significant, a sinus lift may be required for upper posterior sites. These procedures extend the timeline and add to the cost; the treating dentist will assess whether grafting is appropriate for your specific situation.

Can I have an implant placed immediately after extraction?

Immediate implant placement — placing the fixture into the fresh extraction socket at the same appointment — is possible in selected cases where the socket walls are intact and there is no active infection. It is not appropriate in every situation. The treating dentist will assess the condition of the socket at the extraction appointment and advise whether immediate or delayed placement is the better approach for your case.

Is a bridge a better option for me?

For some patients, a dental bridge is the more appropriate choice — particularly where adjacent teeth already require crowns, where the timeline needs to be shorter, or where the clinical or financial case for an implant is not compelling. The treating dentist will discuss both options honestly so you can decide with accurate information.

Related Services

Before and after dental implant treatment


Legazpi Village, Makati

DevelopDent is located on the ground floor of Legaspi Tower 200 on Paseo de Roxas — accessible from Makati CBD, BGC, and Salcedo Village, and a short walk from Greenbelt.

Directions and getting here →
Address

1st Floor, Legaspi Tower 200
107 Paseo de Roxas Street
Legazpi Village, Makati 1229

Book a Consultation

A complete implant plan before any commitment

Book a consultation at DevelopDent to assess whether you are a candidate for a dental implant and what the full treatment sequence would involve for your specific situation. The treating dentist will review your records, examine the site, and outline all associated steps and fees — before you commit to anything.