Tarasha Dental Clinic: Best Dental Services in Lajpat Nagar
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Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge —
Which Is the Right Choice for You?
Missing a tooth and deciding between an implant and a bridge is one of the most consequential dental decisions you will make. Both work. Both look natural. But they differ fundamentally in how they replace the tooth, what they do to the surrounding teeth and bone, how long they last, and what they cost over time. This guide gives you the complete, honest picture.
Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge — Which Is Better?
A Dental Implant replaces both the tooth root and crown, preserves jaw bone, requires no modification of adjacent teeth, and lasts 20–30+ years. A Dental Bridge replaces only the visible crown, requires grinding down the adjacent healthy teeth on either side, does not preserve bone, and typically lasts 10–15 years. Implants are the superior long-term solution for most patients with adequate bone. Bridges are appropriate when implants are not feasible or when faster, lower-cost treatment is the priority.
What Are Dental Implants
and Dental Bridges?
Before comparing them, it is important to understand what each treatment actually does — because the fundamental difference is not just cosmetic. They replace missing teeth in completely different ways, with different effects on the surrounding teeth, the jawbone, and your long-term oral health.
🧾 Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium screw surgically placed into the jawbone, which fuses with the bone over 3–6 months (osseointegration). Once integrated, an abutment and a custom-made ceramic crown are attached on top.
The implant functions as an artificial tooth root. It is the only tooth replacement option that replaces the root — not just the visible tooth. This is what allows it to preserve bone, function like a natural tooth, and last for decades.
Components: Titanium implant post + abutment + ceramic or zirconia crown.
Timeline: 3–6 months total (healing + crown placement). Some cases eligible for same-day or immediate loading.
🪝 Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic that spans the gap left by a missing tooth. It is anchored to the two natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth.
The bridge consists of: two crowns on the abutment teeth, and a false tooth (pontic) suspended between them. The critical trade-off: the two adjacent healthy teeth must be permanently ground down (reduced) to fit the anchor crowns — even if those teeth have no decay or damage.
Components: 3-unit porcelain or zirconia bridge (2 crowns + 1 pontic).
Timeline: 2–3 visits over 2–3 weeks. No surgical waiting period.
Dental Implant vs Bridge:
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Dental Implant | Dental Bridge |
|---|---|---|
| What It Replaces | Root + Crown (complete tooth) | Crown only (visible tooth only) |
| Adjacent Teeth | Not touched — zero impact on healthy teeth | Both adjacent teeth permanently ground down |
| Bone Preservation | Yes — implant stimulates bone, prevents resorption | No — bone continues to shrink under the pontic |
| Feel & Function | Closest to a natural tooth — independent unit | Good but slight food trapping under pontic |
| Aesthetics | Excellent — no visible metal, natural gum line | Very good — porcelain/zirconia bridge looks natural |
| Longevity | 20–30+ years (implant lasts lifetime; crown may need replacement) | 10–15 years on average; may need replacement |
| Maintenance | Brush and floss normally; regular check-ups | Special floss threader needed under bridge; harder to clean |
| Surgery Required | Yes — minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia | No surgery — preparation and impressions only |
| Treatment Time | 3–6 months (healing period) | 2–3 weeks |
| Cost — India (approx.) | ₹25,000–₹60,000 per tooth | ₹15,000–₹40,000 for 3-unit bridge |
| Cost — USA (approx.) | $3,000–$5,000 per tooth | $2,500–$6,000 for 3-unit bridge |
| Long-Term Cost | Lower — one investment, decades of use | Higher — replacement cycles add up over lifetime |
| Bone Graft Needed? | Sometimes, if bone loss has occurred | Never required |
| Best For | Most patients with adequate bone and no major health barriers | Patients needing faster / lower upfront cost; adjacent teeth need crowns anyway |
| Success Rate | 95–98% at 10 years | 90% at 10 years; decreasing over time |
Dental Implant:
Pros, Cons & Who It Is Right For
A dental implant is widely considered the gold standard for single tooth replacement. The titanium post integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration — it essentially becomes part of your skeleton. The result is a tooth that feels, functions, and looks like a natural tooth, with no impact on adjacent teeth and no progressive bone loss under the replacement.
The main barriers are upfront cost (higher than a bridge), treatment timeline (3–6 months vs 2–3 weeks), the requirement for minor surgery, and bone quantity. Patients who have had a missing tooth for a long time may have experienced bone resorption that requires a bone graft before implant placement.
✓ Advantages
- Adjacent teeth completely untouched
- Prevents jawbone resorption
- Functions exactly like a natural tooth
- Lasts 20–30+ years
- Easy to clean — normal brushing and flossing
- 95–98% 10-year success rate
- Lower lifetime cost despite higher upfront cost
- No food trapping issues under pontic
- Preserves natural facial structure
✗ Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost than bridge
- Requires minor surgery under local anaesthesia
- 3–6 month healing period before crown placement
- Bone graft may be needed if bone has resorbed
- Not suitable for uncontrolled diabetics or active smokers
- Not placed in growing jaws (minimum age ~18)
Who Should Choose an Implant
- Adjacent teeth are healthy and should not be cut
- You have adequate bone volume (assessed by CBCT scan)
- You are in good general health (controlled medical conditions are generally fine)
- You want the longest-lasting, most natural-feeling solution
- You are planning for the long term and want to avoid future replacement cycles
- You are not a heavy smoker or have uncontrolled diabetes
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
The implant post (titanium) is designed to last a lifetime — studies show 95–98% survival at 10 years and comparable rates at 20 years. The crown on top may need replacement after 15–20 years due to normal wear. With proper care, a dental implant is effectively a permanent solution.
Dental Bridge:
Pros, Cons & Who It Is Right For
How Long Does a Dental Bridge Last?
A dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years with good oral hygiene. Bridges can fail earlier due to decay under the anchor crowns, gum disease, or fracture. The supporting teeth (abutments) may eventually require root canal treatment or replacement with implants when the bridge needs to be remade.
A dental bridge is a time-tested tooth replacement option that has been used for decades. It is fixed, feels reasonably natural, requires no surgery, and can be completed in 2–3 weeks. For many patients, it is a perfectly appropriate choice — particularly when the adjacent teeth already need crowns, or when the timeline or cost of an implant is not workable.
The critical issue is what happens to the adjacent healthy teeth. Grinding down two healthy teeth to anchor a bridge means those teeth are permanently altered — they become weaker, more susceptible to sensitivity and decay, and may eventually require root canal treatment as a result of the preparation. This is the most significant long-term downside of a bridge compared to an implant.
✓ Advantages
- No surgery required
- Faster — completed in 2–3 weeks
- Lower upfront cost than implant
- Suitable when adjacent teeth need crowns anyway
- Good aesthetic result with zirconia/porcelain
- Works even with bone loss (no bone needed)
- Predictable, well-established technique
✗ Disadvantages
- Adjacent healthy teeth permanently ground down
- No bone stimulation — bone resorbs under pontic
- Harder to clean — requires special flossing technique
- Shorter lifespan — replacement after 10–15 years
- Higher lifetime cost due to replacement cycles
- Adjacent teeth at risk of future decay or RCT need
- Bone loss under pontic can cause visible gum changes over time
Who Should Choose a Bridge
- Adjacent teeth already need crowns (bridge makes clinical sense)
- Significant bone loss makes implant placement complex or risky
- Budget constraints make the higher upfront implant cost unworkable right now
- You need the tooth replaced quickly — 2–3 weeks vs 3–6 months
- Medical conditions (heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes) affect implant candidacy
- You are not ready for surgery
Bone Preservation:
The Biggest Difference Nobody Talks About
Does a Dental Bridge Cause Bone Loss?
Yes. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area no longer receives stimulation from a root and begins to resorb (shrink). A dental bridge replaces only the visible crown — the pontic floats above the gum without touching bone. Without root stimulation, bone resorption continues under a bridge at a rate of approximately 25% of bone volume in the first year and 1% per year thereafter. Over 10–15 years, this can cause a visible gum dip under the bridge and may complicate future implant placement if the bridge eventually needs replacement.
What Happens Under a Bridge (Over Time)
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that supported its roots no longer receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its density. Bone resorption begins almost immediately after tooth loss and continues progressively. A dental bridge replaces the visible crown but does nothing to address this bone loss — the pontic (false tooth) simply sits above the gum without any contact with the underlying bone.
Over 10–15 years, this bone loss under a bridge site can become visible as a gum recession or a slight dip in the gum line under the pontic — which affects the aesthetics of the bridge, particularly in the front of the mouth. More importantly, if the bridge eventually fails and the patient wants an implant at that point, the bone loss that occurred under the bridge makes implant placement more difficult or impossible without additional bone grafting procedures.
How an Implant Preserves Bone
A dental implant’s titanium post integrates with the jawbone and transmits the forces of chewing directly into the bone — mimicking what a natural tooth root does. This stimulation signals the bone to maintain its density and volume. Studies consistently show that implants preserve bone at the implant site effectively, preventing the resorption that occurs with bridges and dentures.
This is not a minor clinical advantage. Bone preservation means: the gum line remains stable (aesthetic stability for decades), facial structure is maintained, and if any future treatment becomes necessary, the bone is there to support it. It also means adjacent teeth are less likely to shift, tilt, or develop problems over time.
“Choosing a bridge over an implant to save money today is understandable. But patients should understand they are also choosing to lose bone at the missing tooth site — which may make the implant they eventually want significantly more complex and expensive to place in the future.”
— Tarasha Dental Clinic Prosthodontics & Implantology Team, AIIMS AlumniDental Implant vs Bridge:
True Cost Comparison (India vs USA)
The upfront cost of a bridge is lower than an implant in almost every market. But the lifetime cost calculation tells a very different story — particularly when you factor in replacement cycles, the risk of needing root canals on abutment teeth, and the eventual cost of implants if bridge replacement becomes necessary.
| Cost Factor | Dental Implant (India) | Dental Bridge (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Treatment Cost | ₹25,000–₹60,000 | ₹15,000–₹40,000 |
| Expected Lifespan | 20–30+ years | 10–15 years |
| Replacement at Year 15 | Usually not needed | ₹15,000–₹40,000 again |
| Replacement at Year 30 | Crown may need replacement (~₹8,000–₹15,000) | 2nd replacement ₹15,000–₹40,000 |
| Risk of Root Canal on Adjacent Teeth | None | Significant — abutment teeth weakened |
| Estimated 30-Year Total | ~₹33,000–₹75,000 | ~₹45,000–₹1,20,000 |
For International & NRI Patients — India vs USA/UK Cost
| Treatment | India — Tarasha (approx.) | USA (approx.) | UK (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Dental Implant | ₹25,000–₹60,000 (~$300–$720 USD) | $3,000–$5,000 | £2,500–£4,500 |
| 3-Unit Dental Bridge | ₹15,000–₹40,000 (~$180–$480 USD) | $2,500–$6,000 | £1,800–£4,000 |
| Implant + Bone Graft | ₹35,000–₹90,000 | $4,500–$8,000 | £3,500–£6,500 |
| Zirconia Crown (per unit) | ₹8,000–₹18,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | £800–£1,500 |
| Saving vs USA (Implant) | 80–90% | — | — |
* India costs vary by implant brand, bone condition, and specific case complexity. Exact pricing confirmed at consultation. USA/UK figures based on national average fee surveys. See our international patient guide ↗ for more.
Step-by-Step: Dental Implant
Treatment Timeline
Consultation & 3D CBCT Scan
Clinical examination, review of medical history, and CBCT 3D X-ray to assess bone volume, bone density, and precise implant position. Treatment plan and cost confirmed before any treatment begins.
Bone Graft (if needed) — +3 months healing
If bone volume is insufficient, a bone graft is placed first and allowed to heal for 3–4 months before implant placement. Not required for all patients — many proceed directly to implant placement.
Implant Placement Surgery
Minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia. The titanium implant is placed into the prepared bone socket. Typically 30–60 minutes. Mild tenderness for 2–4 days; normal activity resumes next day.
Osseointegration — 3–4 months healing
The implant fuses with the jawbone. This is the healing phase — the patient has a temporary crown or healing cap during this period. No restrictions on diet or activity after the first week.
Abutment & Crown Placement
Once integrated, the abutment is attached and impressions or digital scans taken for the final ceramic or zirconia crown. Crown is placed 1–2 weeks later. Treatment complete.
Annual Review
Yearly clinical check and periapical X-ray to verify bone levels around the implant. Standard professional cleaning around the implant crown. No special home care beyond normal brushing and flossing.
Implant vs Bridge:
Score by Category
Rated on a scale where the better option in each category scores higher. Teal = Implant Gold = Bridge
Is a Dental Implant Better Than a Bridge?
For most patients with adequate bone and no major health barriers: yes. A dental implant preserves bone, does not damage adjacent teeth, lasts twice as long, is easier to maintain, and has a lower lifetime cost despite a higher upfront price. A bridge is better when speed is essential, surgery is not appropriate, adjacent teeth need crowns anyway, or the upfront implant cost is not feasible. The right choice depends on your specific bone, medical history, adjacent teeth, and long-term priorities — confirmed at a consultation with your dental specialist.
Which Is Right for You?
A Clear Decision Guide
🧾 Choose an Implant If…
- Your adjacent teeth are healthy and should not be ground down
- You have adequate bone (CBCT scan confirms this)
- You want the most natural-feeling, long-lasting solution
- You want to preserve your jawbone long-term
- You are planning ahead and want to avoid future replacement costs
- You are in good general health (controlled BP, diabetes are usually fine)
- You are not an active heavy smoker
- You are comfortable with the 3–6 month timeline
🪝 Choose a Bridge If…
- Your adjacent teeth already need crowns — bridge is the logical choice
- Significant bone loss makes implant placement risky without grafting
- You need the tooth replaced in 2–3 weeks
- You cannot undergo surgery due to a medical condition
- Upfront implant cost is not currently feasible
- You are a heavy smoker with high implant failure risk
- You are travelling and need the tooth replaced within a short visit window
- You understand and accept the long-term trade-offs
“The answer to ‘implant or bridge?’ is never universal — it is specific to your bone quality, your adjacent teeth, your health, your timeline, and your long-term priorities. At Tarasha, we present both options honestly, including their real trade-offs, and support your decision with accurate CBCT bone assessment rather than a generic recommendation.”
— Dr. Anju Singh Rajwar, AIIMS Alumni · Tarasha Dental Clinic, Lajpat NagarWhy Choose Tarasha Dental Clinic
for Implants or Bridges?
AIIMS Alumni MDS Specialists
Our Prosthodontics and Implantology specialists completed MDS post-graduate training at AIIMS New Delhi — managing high-volume complex implant and prosthodontic cases not typically encountered in private practice training.
CBCT 3D Planning for Implants
Every implant case is planned with CBCT 3D imaging — not conventional 2D X-ray. This allows us to precisely assess bone volume, bone density, nerve position, and sinus proximity before surgery, not during it.
International Implant Systems
Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and other internationally validated implant systems with published long-term data. We do not use generic or unvalidated implant systems regardless of the cost difference.
Honest Recommendation
We present both implant and bridge options honestly — including the real trade-offs of each. The recommendation is based on your clinical situation, not on which option has a higher margin. Both services are available in-house.
Zirconia Crowns & Bridges
Premium metal-free zirconia crowns and bridges for both implant restorations and conventional bridges — matching your natural tooth shade with high-resolution digital scanning and lab-quality output. See our crowns & bridges page ↗.
International Patient Programme
NRI and overseas patients: send your X-rays on WhatsApp before travel. We provide a treatment plan, implant vs bridge recommendation, and cost estimate in your home currency before you book flights. See our international patient guide ↗.
For patients in Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, South Extension, Jangpura, Greater Kailash, Amar Colony, East of Kailash, Moolchand, and across South Delhi seeking expert implant or bridge treatment, Tarasha Dental Clinic is located at SCO 2&3, D-177, Railway Crossing, Lajpat Nagar I, New Delhi – 110024. Accessible from Lajpat Nagar and Moolchand Metro Stations on the Delhi Metro Violet Line.
Quick Answers —
Dental Implant vs Bridge
Is a dental implant better than a bridge?
For most patients: yes. Implants preserve bone, do not touch adjacent teeth, last longer, are easier to clean, and have lower lifetime cost. Bridges are better when speed, cost, or surgery avoidance is the priority.
How long does a dental implant last vs a bridge?
Dental implants last 20–30+ years (the titanium post effectively lifetime; crown 15–20 years). Dental bridges last 10–15 years on average before replacement is needed.
Does a dental bridge damage adjacent teeth?
Yes — the two teeth on either side of the gap must be permanently ground down to anchor the bridge crowns. This permanently weakens healthy teeth and can increase their risk of decay and future root canal treatment.
What is the cost of a dental implant vs bridge in India?
In India, a dental implant costs approximately ₹25,000–₹60,000 per tooth. A 3-unit dental bridge costs approximately ₹15,000–₹40,000. Upfront, the bridge is cheaper. Over 30 years, the implant is typically less expensive due to fewer replacements.
Can I get a dental implant after having a bridge?
Yes, but it depends on how much bone has been lost under the bridge over the years. After bridge removal, a bone assessment (CBCT scan) determines whether implant placement is possible directly or after bone grafting first.
Which is easier to maintain — implant or bridge?
An implant is easier — brush and floss normally, just like a natural tooth. A bridge requires a special floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the pontic. Poor bridge hygiene leads to decay on the abutment teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions —
Dental Implant vs Dental Bridge
-
A dental implant replaces both the missing tooth root (titanium post in bone) and crown — functioning as an independent, standalone tooth. A dental bridge replaces only the visible crown, anchored to the two adjacent teeth on either side, which must be permanently ground down to support the bridge. Implants preserve bone; bridges do not. Implants last longer; bridges are faster and cheaper upfront.
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For most patients with adequate bone: yes. Implants preserve jawbone, require no modification of adjacent teeth, last 20–30+ years, are easier to clean, and have lower lifetime cost. A bridge is better when surgery is not appropriate, adjacent teeth already need crowns, faster treatment is needed, or the upfront cost of an implant is not currently feasible.
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A dental implant post is designed to last a lifetime — studies show 95–98% survival at 10 years. The crown on top may need replacement after 15–20 years. A dental bridge typically lasts 10–15 years before replacement, meaning two replacements are often needed in the patient's lifetime versus effectively one implant placement.
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Yes — this is the most significant trade-off of a dental bridge. The two healthy teeth adjacent to the gap must be permanently reduced (ground down) to serve as anchor teeth for the bridge crowns. This permanently weakens them, makes them more sensitive, and increases their risk of developing decay or needing root canal treatment in the future. An implant does not affect adjacent teeth at all.
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Yes. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone at that site begins to resorb without root stimulation. A bridge pontic floats above the gum and provides no bone stimulation — resorption continues. Over years, this can cause a visible dip in the gum under the bridge and may complicate future implant placement. An implant's titanium post transmits chewing forces into the bone, preventing resorption.
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In India, a single dental implant costs approximately ₹25,000–₹60,000 depending on the implant brand, bone condition, and crown material. A 3-unit dental bridge costs approximately ₹15,000–₹40,000. The bridge is cheaper upfront. However, over 30 years — accounting for bridge replacements and potential root canals on abutment teeth — the implant is typically the more cost-effective choice. Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation.
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Total implant treatment typically takes 3–6 months: consultation and CBCT scan, implant placement surgery (1 appointment), 3–4 months healing (osseointegration), then abutment and crown placement (1–2 appointments). If a bone graft is needed first, add 3–4 months. Some cases qualify for immediate loading (provisional crown on the day of implant placement) — confirmed at consultation.
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The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is not painful during placement. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate for 2–4 days and is managed with standard pain relief. Most patients return to normal activity the next day. The reputation for pain is largely based on historical techniques — modern implant surgery with proper local anaesthesia is well-tolerated.
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Most adults in reasonable general health are suitable for dental implants. Key requirements: adequate jawbone volume (assessed by CBCT scan), controlled medical conditions, non-heavy smoker or willing to quit for the healing period, and completed jaw growth (minimum approximately 18 years). Uncontrolled diabetes, active heavy smoking, and certain medications (bisphosphonates, high-dose blood thinners) may affect candidacy — discussed at consultation.
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An implant is significantly easier to clean — brush and floss normally around the crown just as you would a natural tooth. A bridge requires a special floss threader or interdental brush to clean under the pontic between the false tooth and the gum. This additional cleaning step is often neglected, leading to plaque accumulation under the bridge and decay on the abutment teeth over time.
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Yes, in most cases. If a bridge fails or needs replacement, the site can often be re-evaluated for implant placement. The key factor is how much bone remains after years without root stimulation under the bridge. A CBCT scan assesses bone volume — if adequate, implant placement proceeds; if there has been significant resorption, bone grafting may be required first.
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Yes. Dental implants are one of the most extensively researched elective surgical procedures in dentistry, with decades of published data showing 95–98% success rates at 10 years. Titanium is biocompatible and is widely used in orthopaedic and cardiac implants. At accredited clinics using validated implant systems (Straumann, Nobel Biocare), CBCT planning, and proper surgical protocols, implant placement is safe and predictable.
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Not replacing a missing tooth leads to: jawbone resorption at the gap site (progressive), adjacent teeth tilting and drifting into the space (causing misalignment), the opposing tooth over-erupting (growing toward the gap), increased difficulty chewing, and potential shifting of the entire bite. Over years, these changes can require significantly more extensive and expensive treatment to correct than the original tooth replacement would have.
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Yes — with planning. The implant surgery and initial healing phase (3–4 months) can be split across two India visits. First visit: CBCT planning + implant placement. Second visit (3–4 months later): crown placement. Some cases qualify for immediate loading (same-day provisional crown) allowing treatment in a single extended visit. Pre-travel WhatsApp consultation allows us to plan the timeline before you book flights.
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Tarasha Dental Clinic, SCO 2&3, D-177, Railway Crossing, Lajpat Nagar I, New Delhi – 110024. AIIMS Alumni MDS Prosthodontics and Implantology specialists. Straumann/Nobel Biocare implant systems. CBCT 3D planning for all implant cases. International patient programme. 5-star Google rating. Mon–Sat, 10:30am–8pm. +91 96259 52590.
Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Let Our Specialists Help You Decide.
At Tarasha Dental Clinic, we present both implant and bridge options honestly — with CBCT bone assessment, cost transparency, and a recommendation driven by your specific clinical situation. No generic advice. No pressure. Just the right answer for you.
Tarasha Dental Clinic · An Initiative by AIIMS Alumni
SCO 2&3, D-177, Railway Crossing, Lajpat Nagar I, New Delhi – 110024
Mon – Sat: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm · +91 96259 52590
Dental Implants ↗
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Dental Bridges ↗
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International Patients ↗