Most Filipino patients want dental implants.

Very few are ready for what comes before implants.

If you lost a tooth years ago, your jawbone has already shrunk. No bone = no implant. And that’s where bone grafting comes in.

Let’s break this down properly.

PART A: The Graft Guide (The “What”)

Bone grafting is not optional when you have moderate to severe bone loss. It is biological reconstruction.

Below is a straightforward guide to the graft materials commonly available in the Philippines.

The Fiesta's Unwanted Souvenir: A Story of a Lost Crown and What To Do Next

The air in the barangay was thick with the scent of lechon and the sound of laughter. It was fiesta, and Tomas, a 55-year-old carpenter, was at the heart of it all, surrounded by family and friends. On his plate was a feast—crispy pata, savory adobo, and a piece of his sister's famous kare-kare with its tender, gelatinous oxtail.

The Filipino Smile Divide: How a Simple Bedtime Habit Could Save Your Heart

In the bustling business districts of Metro Manila and the lecture halls of the country's top universities, a common ritual is diligently followed. Educated, health-conscious Filipinos brush their teeth twice a day, viewing it as a non-negotiable part of personal care. Yet, in many remote provinces and underserved urban areas, this simple act is often the first thing neglected after a long day of labor or due to a lack of awareness.

The Cost of Compromise: When Profit Overrides Bone Health in Philippine Dental Implants

The promise of a "perfect smile at a fraction of the cost" lures many, including medical tourists who travel to the Philippines for dental work. But beneath the surface of these attractive offers lies a dangerous reality: the systematic overlooking of biological fundamentals for financial gain. This is a story of a perfect storm—a patient desperate to save money and a dentist desperate to make it—that led to catastrophic failure.