Root Canal Price in the Philippines: Per Tooth, Per Canal & Crown Costs
Published private clinic root canal prices reviewed by CareCostPH start at ₱6,000 per tooth. Other clinics charge ₱6,000 ₱12,000 per canal, which can make treatment for a tooth with several canals substantially more expensive. A crown or other final restoration may be a separate charge.
For a molar or bagang, one Cebu clinic lists ₱18,000 to ₱24,000 per tooth. These are selected published prices and clearly labelled calculations, not a nationwide average. Before comparing Root canal price quotations, ask: “Is this price per tooth or per canal, and does it include the final restoration?”
Root canal costs in the Philippines
| Treatment or billing basis | Published price or calculated budget | What the amount means |
|---|---|---|
| Front-tooth treatment | ₱6,000–₱20,000 | Selected anterior-treatment listings; inclusions differ |
| Premolar treatment | ₱12,000 per tooth at Smile Essentials | An actual tooth-based price, not a national premolar rate |
| Two canals at reviewed private per-canal fees | ₱12,000–₱24,000 | Calculation: 2 × (₱6,000–₱12,000) |
| Molar treatment at Smile Essentials | ₱18,000–₱24,000 per tooth | Provider-published tooth-based range |
| Three canals at reviewed private per-canal fees | ₱18,000–₱36,000 | Calculation before separately billed services |
| Four canals at reviewed private per-canal fees | ₱24,000–₱48,000 | Calculation before separately billed services |
| Retreatment example at DevelopDent | About ₱15,000 per canal | Previously treated tooth; assessed separately |
These figures cover different billing arrangements. Do not multiply a per-tooth price by the number of canals. Crown, imaging and other fees must be checked separately.
Root canal prices by clinic
Clinics with tooth-based listings
| Provider | Location | Published root canal price | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smile Essentials | Lahug, Cebu City | Front tooth ₱6,000; premolar ₱12,000; molar ₱18,000–₱24,000 | Explicitly priced per tooth |
| Michael Quilantang Dental Clinic | Plaridel, Bulacan | ₱6,000 per tooth | Menu does not separate tooth types; confirm whether your case qualifies |
| Aspire Health | Iloilo | Anterior treatment ₱20,000 | Molar treatment uses a separate per-canal entry |
Clinics with per-canal or canal-dependent pricing
| Provider | Location | Published treatment fee |
|---|---|---|
| Desi Dental | San Juan / Quezon City | ₱6,000 per canal |
| Sacred Heart Dental Clinic | Caloocan address on fee page | ₱7,000 per canal, anterior or posterior |
| DevelopDent | Makati | ₱10,000–₱12,000 for a single-canal tooth; ₱8,000–₱10,000 per canal for teeth with multiple canals |
| Dr. James Dental Clinic | Confirm selected branch when booking | Starting at ₱10,000 per canal |
| Aspire Health | Iloilo | Molar treatment ₱10,000 per canal |
| Smiles R’ Us Dental Centre | Las Piñas | ₱12,000 per canal |
Most fee pages do not state when their rates took effect. They were accessible when reviewed, but they are not confirmed appointments or individually assessed quotations.
Dental treatment often comes in stages, and dental veneers may be one of them. See the cost of veneers for its price breakdown.
Why one tooth can be billed for several canals
A root is part of the tooth’s structure. A canal is a passage within that structure. The number of roots and the number of canals are not necessarily identical.
Front teeth often have one canal. Premolars and molars can have several, and anatomy varies. Examination and appropriate imaging help the dentist assess the treatment; additional canals may require further evaluation.
A ₱6,000 advertisement can mean different things: Desi Dental lists that amount per canal, while Michael Quilantang Dental Clinic lists it per tooth. Read the billing unit instead of assuming the headline price covers the same work.
A per-tooth quotation should specify the tooth and agreed treatment. Ask whether finding an extra canal, needing specialist care or adding a procedure could change the price. A per-session payment can also be a deposit toward a larger bill. Ask for both the total agreed fee and the payment schedule.
How much is root canal treatment with a crown?
The root canal treats the inside of the tooth. A crown, sometimes called a jacket, restores and protects its outside. Budget for the restoration at the beginning, even if it will be fitted later. Here are calculations using each provider’s own published treatment and crown fees:
| Same-provider example | Root canal component | Crown component | Calculated subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smile Essentials: molar + porcelain-fused-to-metal crown | ₱18,000–₱24,000 | ₱6,500 | ₱24,500–₱30,500 |
| Sacred Heart: three canals + porcelain crown with regular metal | 3 × ₱7,000 | ₱10,500 | ₱31,500 |
| Smiles R’ Us: three canals + porcelain-fused-to-metal crown | 3 × ₱12,000 | ₱15,000 | ₱51,000 |
These are calculated subtotals, not advertised all-inclusive packages. Consultation, imaging, a core build-up or post, and other necessary services may add to them.
A different crown material changes the comparison. For example, Dr. James lists starting crown fees of ₱12,000 for porcelain-fused-to-metal and ₱30,000 for zirconia. That difference belongs to the restoration budget, not the canal count.
Does every treated tooth need a crown?
Not necessarily. Back teeth often need crown protection because they carry substantial chewing forces. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling when enough sound structure remains.
A post may be needed when there is insufficient remaining tooth structure to retain the restoration; it is not automatically required for every root canal.
The American Association of Endodontists explains that the final restoration depends on the tooth and its condition. Ask which restoration is planned and when it should be completed.
Prices before adding a crown
At DevelopDent, three-canal treatment at ₱24,000 to ₱30,000, plus its listed ₱1,000 consultation and ₱500 periapical X-ray, calculates to ₱25,500–₱31,500. The ₱5,000 fiber post, if needed, and the crown are additional.
Many patients ask about a tooth implant during the same course of dental treatment. You can check the dental implant cost to complete your dental budget.
Additional charges to check
| Possible charge | Published example or practical question |
|---|---|
| Consultation | Smiles R’ Us lists ₱500 per session; Aspire lists ₱600 |
| Periapical dental X-ray | Aspire lists ₱700 per tooth; Smiles R’ Us lists ₱1,000 per film |
| Temporary filling or final core build-up | Ask which is included and whether the permanent restoration is separate |
| Post or post-and-core | Michael Quilantang lists a fiber post at ₱3,000–₱3,500; Dr. James lists post-and-core from ₱7,000 |
| Crown removal or replacement | Relevant when treating a tooth that already has a crown |
| Additional imaging or specialist procedures | Request the reason and separate fee if recommended |
| Medicines and return visits | Confirm what is included before comparing totals |
A fiber-post listing and a complete post-and-core service may have different inclusions, so they are not interchangeable quotations.
For X-rays, ask whether the treatment fee includes images taken during and after the procedure, not only the first diagnostic image. Do not add every item in this table automatically: some are unnecessary for your case or already bundled.
Can you get a cheaper root canal at a government hospital?
Quezon City General Hospital’s publicly available dental Citizen’s Charter lists ₱1,000 for root canal therapy involving one canal. The same document lists a periapical X-ray at ₱200.
However, the document does not establish a current effective date. Treat it as a government price reference to confirm, not a guaranteed 2026 all-in treatment price.
Before travelling, confirm current availability and fees, registration or referral requirements, appointment dates, and whether materials, X-rays and restoration are billed separately.
PGH dental rates: these are separate services
UP–Philippine General Hospital’s online fee table includes the following entries:
| PGH dental service | Listed “Service Rates” | Listed “Outpatient-Pay” |
|---|---|---|
| Pulpectomy | ₱35 | ₱97 |
| Apicoectomy | ₱65 | ₱165 |
| Periapical X-ray | ₱160 | ₱265 |
These are not complete root canal package prices. The table does not explain all inclusions or establish a current effective date. Pulpectomy and apicoectomy are distinct listed procedures; neither price can be substituted for a full course of root canal treatment and restoration.
Ask Hospital Dentistry which service applies, how patient classification affects billing, and what materials, appointments and restoration will cost.
University dental clinics
UP Manila’s College of Dentistry has a Center for Oral Health providing multidisciplinary dental care. Ask which clinic accepts your case, what appointments are required and what you would pay. Do not assume university treatment is free or immediately available.
Does PhilHealth cover root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is not among the services listed in PhilHealth’s preventive oral health package reviewed for this guide. The published package covers services such as oral examination, cleaning, fluoride varnish, specified sealant/root-surface protection services and emergency extraction when indicated.
“Root surface protection” is not root canal treatment. The similar wording should not be used to promise an endodontic benefit. The relevant sources are PhilHealth Circular 2024-0034 and its claims-code advisory. These do not provide a routine private-clinic root canal reimbursement amount.
A dentist’s PhilHealth accreditation does not mean every procedure at that clinic is covered. Ask for the specific approved benefit before subtracting anything from your quotation.
For preventive services, our teeth cleaning price guide explains the separate cost considerations.
HMO benefits and senior citizen or PWD discounts
HMO coverage depends on the exact plan
Do not assume that a card covering dental cleaning also pays for root canals, crowns or posts.
As a specific example, MediCard’s published VIP page lists root canal benefits up to ₱5,000 in its Suite tier. The page bears a May 15, 2022 update date, so members should verify their current contract rather than assume this applies to every MediCard plan.
Before treatment, confirm the remaining dental benefit, approved dentist, authorization requirements and your balance to pay. Ask separately about imaging, crowns and post-and-core; approval for root canal treatment does not automatically cover each item.
Senior citizen and PWD discounts
Eligible senior citizens and PWDs can receive a 20% discount and applicable VAT exemption on qualifying medical and dental services, under the applicable rules, including RA 9994 and the DOH PWD guidelines.
Present the required identification and ask for an itemized calculation. Do not automatically stack a statutory discount on top of a promotional price or remove VAT from an amount that was not subject to VAT.
Senior citizens should also ask government facilities about applicable free dental-service entitlements, alongside actual service availability and any separately supplied items.
Why retreatment and difficult cases cost more
A second root canal on a previously treated tooth involves different work from first-time treatment. Old filling material may need removal; an existing crown or post can complicate access.
DevelopDent publishes a retreatment reference of about ₱15,000 per canal. This is one clinic’s example, not a standard national retreatment rate.
The AAE’s retreatment guide explains why restoring access and cleaning the canals again may require extra procedures. Ask whether the quotation includes removing an old restoration and whether a new one will be needed.
For a difficult case, clarify who will perform the procedure and whether referral to an endodontist is recommended. Price comparisons are most useful when the treatment plans cover equivalent work.
Root canal or extraction: compare the complete plans
Extraction can cost less initially. For example, Sacred Heart lists a simple extraction at ₱2,000 per tooth, compared with its ₱7,000-per-canal root canal fee. These are different treatments with different outcomes.
A fair comparison considers:
| Option | Costs to request |
|---|---|
| Save the tooth | Root canal, required imaging, final restoration and any post/core |
| Remove the tooth | Extraction and, if recommended, replacement with a denture, bridge or implant |
Not every tooth can be saved. Severe fractures, inadequate support or insufficient restorable structure can change the recommendation.
Ask the dentist to explain whether the tooth is restorable and the expected outlook before committing to the larger bill. A second opinion can help when the options or quotations differ substantially.
If you are also planning wisdom tooth removal, it helps to compare the full treatment cost early. You can check the wisdom tooth extraction price in the Philippines.
How many visits does a root canal take?
The AAE patient overview explains that treatment can often be completed in one or two appointments. Complex cases may need more, and the final crown or other restoration can require additional visits.
Ask the clinic for the expected schedule and whether the agreed fee covers every treatment visit. The number of appointments is not necessarily the number of payments.
Preparation and recovery
Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and seals the internal spaces, and is followed by an appropriate restoration. A routine filling alone does not perform that work.
Before attending:
- Bring previous dental X-rays and treatment records, if available.
- Tell the dentist about medicines, allergies and relevant medical conditions.
- Ask whether a referral or HMO authorization is required.
- Confirm preparation instructions, especially if sedation is planned.
Follow the dentist’s instructions about chewing and the final restoration. The AAE’s aftercare guidance emphasizes returning for restoration and reporting problems such as a lost temporary filling.
Seek urgent dental care for suspected infection. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or substantial mouth swelling, needs emergency assessment. See the NHS dental abscess guidance.
Before you book: request one complete quotation
Send the clinic this message:
Hello. I would like an assessment and quotation for root canal treatment on my __ tooth. Please confirm whether the fee is per tooth or per canal, the expected canal count, and the total treatment fee. Are consultation, all required X-rays, anesthesia, temporary filling and follow-ups included? Please quote the final restoration separately, including the crown material and any post/core. Kindly confirm payment terms and any applicable HMO, senior citizen or PWD arrangements.
Keep the reply and treatment plan. Compare the cost of completing treatment and restoring the tooth—not only the first payment.
Other questions about root canal prices
Magkano ang root canal sa Pilipinas?
May private-clinic listing na ₱6,000 kada ngipin, habang may ibang klinikang naniningil ng ₱6,000–₱12,000 kada canal. Kapag maraming canal ang ngipin, mas mataas ang kabuuang bayad. Alamin kung kasama ang X-ray, pasta o core build-up, at jacket crown.
After a root canal, dentists usually recommend a crown to protect the weakened tooth. You can check the dental crown cost for that follow-up cost.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Local anesthesia is used to control pain during treatment. Most patients can be kept comfortable, although soreness afterward is possible. Tell the dentist if you feel pain during the procedure, and seek review if symptoms worsen or persist. The AAE’s patient guidance explains what to expect.
Can I pay in installments?
Ask the clinic for its payment terms. A deposit, payment at each appointment and a financing plan are different arrangements. Get the total payable amount and any fees in writing; do not assume a clinic’s braces installment offer also applies to root canals.
Is root canal treatment the same as pasta?
No. Pasta usually refers to a filling that repairs the tooth. Root canal treatment addresses the pulp and canals inside it. A filling or crown may still be needed afterward. Our tooth filling price guide covers the separate filling charges.
How CareCostPH checked these prices
CareCostPH reviewed public clinic fee pages, government hospital tariffs and a dental charter, PhilHealth documents, benefit information and professional patient guidance on October 10, 2026.
The guide separates per-tooth prices, per-canal fees, starting prices and calculated subtotals. Undated documents are not described as newly issued tariffs. No telephone quotations, clinic visits or live appointment availability were verified.
See how we research prices for our approach.
Prices are for general information and may change. Confirm the current fee and inclusions with the provider. A licensed dentist should determine the appropriate treatment.
