Tooth pain is one of the most common health problems in the Philippines. Yet, instead of saving the tooth through root canal treatment, many Filipinos choose to remove it.

My name is Carlo, and this also happened to me. A dental friend advised me to remove my infected tooth. When I consulted other dentists, they also suggested extraction. The reason? They said my bone level was shallow and the infection inside the tooth was severe.

But I started to ask: Is removing the tooth always the best solution? Or is it simply the cheaper option?

This article expands on that question — including root canal prices in the Philippines (2026), statistics, and why dental health remains a major issue nationwide.

---

The Growing Practice of Tooth Removal

In many low-income Filipino communities, the fastest and cheapest solution to dental pain is extraction.

Why Many Choose Extraction:

• Root canal is more expensive than removal

• Limited income and daily wage lifestyle

• Lack of dental insurance coverage

• Fear of dentists

• No strong government dental outreach programs

Unfortunately, this practice leads to:

• Teeth misalignment

• Difficulty chewing

• Jawbone shrinkage

• Speech problems

• Low self-confidence

---

A Real Example: Pedro’s Story

Pedro had worse teeth than mine. He had multiple missing front teeth and rarely smiled.

He avoided dentists because treatment costs were too high. Over time, untreated cavities led to infections, and extraction became the only option left.

This story is not rare — it represents thousands of Filipinos who delay treatment until it becomes severe.

---

Root Canal vs Extraction: What’s the Difference?

Root Canal Treatment

• Removes infected pulp inside the tooth

• Cleans and seals the canal

• Saves natural tooth structure

• Requires crown restoration in many cases

Tooth Extraction

• Removes entire tooth

• Cheaper initially

• Leaves empty space

• Can cause long-term bone loss

Saving a tooth is almost always better biologically — but financially, many cannot afford it.

---

Root Canal Price Philippines 2026

Prices vary depending on clinic location, tooth type, and severity.

Estimated Price Range (2026):

• Front Tooth: ₱5,000 – ₱10,000

• Premolar: ₱6,000 – ₱12,000

• Molar: ₱8,000 – ₱18,000

• Retreatment cases: ₱10,000 – ₱25,000

Additional costs:

• Dental crown: ₱8,000 – ₱25,000

• X-rays: ₱500 – ₱1,500

Compared to extraction:

• Tooth extraction: ₱800 – ₱3,000

This large price gap explains why many patients choose removal.

---

Philippine Dental Statistics

• According to national health surveys, over 85% of Filipinos have experienced tooth decay.

• Around 7 out of 10 adults have untreated cavities.

• Many children already show signs of early tooth loss.

Access to regular dental care remains limited in rural areas.

---

Global Dental Health Statistics

Worldwide:

• Over 3.5 billion people suffer from oral diseases.

• Untreated dental caries is one of the most common health conditions globally.

• Tooth loss increases with age, especially in lower-income populations.

Root canal treatment remains underutilized in developing countries due to cost barriers.

---

Why Missing Teeth Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think

When a tooth is removed:

• Adjacent teeth shift

• Bite alignment changes

• Jawbone shrinks over time

• Facial structure may collapse

Replacing a missing tooth later (via dental implant or bridge) is often more expensive than saving it with a root canal early on.

---

For Those With Budget Constraints

If you are experiencing tooth pain:

1. Do not delay consultation.

2. Ask for payment plans.

3. Seek second opinions.

4. Explore charity or outreach dental missions.

Early treatment reduces long-term costs.

---

Find a Dental Clinic Near You

To locate affordable and verified dental clinics:

• Philippines Directory:
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/dental-search

• International Patients:
  https://cebudentalimplants.com/international-countries

You may also visit the Cebu Dental Implants directory listing for clinic locations.

---

Dental Case Analysis Software

If you want an early evaluation of your dental condition, you may explore:

https://dentalcaseanalyzer.com/

This dental case analysis tool helps patients understand possible treatment options before visiting a clinic.

---

The Real Issue: Income and Access

Sadly, many Filipinos live below stable income levels. Dental care is often seen as a luxury, not a necessity.

The government health system still lacks strong nationwide dental reach-out programs. Preventive care education and affordable root canal access are urgently needed.

---

Conclusion: Save Your Teeth If You Can

Extraction may be cheaper today — but it is often more expensive in the long run.

If you have dental pain:

• Seek consultation early

• Ask about root canal options

• Compare costs wisely

• Think long-term

Your natural teeth are designed to last a lifetime.

To all people with dental issues — do not ignore the signs. Pain is a warning. Infection spreads silently. Saving your tooth is not just about money — it is about health, confidence, and quality of life.

Early treatment saves teeth.
Early treatment saves money.
Early treatment saves smiles.

 

Looking for dentist : Visit directory list