You’ve heard it a thousand times. Maybe you’ve even said it yourself.
“Dental care is so expensive.”
It’s become accepted wisdom. The kind of thing everyone “knows” without ever questioning. But here’s what most people in Agoura Hills don’t realize: when you actually compare dental costs to medical costs, the story completely changes.
Let me show you something that might surprise you.
The Real Numbers Tell a Different Story
When you need a dental crown, you’re typically looking at $1,000 to $1,500. Yes, that’s a significant expense. But what happens when you need medical care?
Let me show you something most people never see.
Dental vs Medical Costs Comparison Chart
Look at those numbers carefully. A routine dental cleaning costs $75 to $200. A routine doctor’s visit? $200 to $350 – and that’s before any lab work or additional tests.
Need a basic filling? That’s $150 to $400 at the dentist. But a minor medical procedure like removing a skin lesion runs $400 to $1,500.
Here’s what really stands out: even common, everyday dental procedures cost less than their medical equivalents, yet people worry far more about dental bills.
Here’s what nobody talks about: Your routine dental visit costs less than a routine doctor’s visit, yet dental care has the reputation for being expensive. The real difference? It’s all about insurance coverage, not actual costs.
The Detailed Comparison That Changes Everything
| Procedure Type | Dental Cost | Medical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Exam & Cleaning | $75 – $200 | $200 – $350 |
| Basic Filling / Minor Treatment | $150 – $400 | $400 – $1,500 |
| Crown / Single Procedure | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,650 – $3,000 |
| Root Canal / Specialized Treatment | $800 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Dental Implant / Surgical Replacement | $3,000 – $6,500 | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Full Reconstruction / Major Surgery | $15,000 – $40,000 | $57,000 – $200,000 |
Why Does Everyone Think Dental Is Expensive?
The perception problem comes down to one critical difference: insurance coverage.
Medical insurance typically covers 80-100% of costs after your deductible. But dental insurance? Most plans cap out at $1,000 to $2,000 per year and only cover 50% of major procedures.
So while a $30,000 knee replacement might cost you $3,000 out of pocket (after insurance), a $1,500 crown might cost you $750.
The crown feels expensive because you’re paying a larger percentage yourself. But it’s actually dramatically less expensive than medical care.
The Hidden Cost Nobody Calculates
Here’s something that should really grab your attention: delaying dental care costs you far more than getting it done.
A small cavity that costs $150 to fill today becomes a root canal ($1,200) in 18 months. Wait longer? You’re looking at an extraction and implant ($4,000 to $6,000).
Compare that to medical care, where a minor issue can explode into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in emergency treatment.
The Real Value Proposition
At Sekhon Dental in Agoura Hills, we see patients every day who’ve been avoiding care because they’re worried about cost. And then we show them the numbers.
What You Actually Get For Your Investment:
- Preventive care that stops expensive problems before they start
- Transparent pricing with no surprise bills (unlike many medical facilities)
- Results that last – a well-done crown can last 15+ years
- Payment options that make treatment manageable
- No emergency room visits at 2 AM with five-figure bills
- Membership Plans to get the dental care you need without breaking your wallet. Our plan starts as low as just $1 a day.
Think about it this way: you’ll spend more on coffee this year than you will on preventive dental care. A $150 cleaning twice a year costs less than many people’s monthly phone bill.
Why Dental Prices Are Actually Reasonable
When you factor in what goes into dental care, the pricing makes perfect sense:
- Advanced technology and sterilization equipment
- Years of specialized training and education
- High-quality materials designed to last decades
- Precision work that requires exceptional skill
- Ongoing continuing education to stay current
A dental implant, for example, is a marvel of modern medicine. It’s surgically placed with precision, made from biocompatible titanium, and designed to last a lifetime. For $3,000 to $6,500, you’re getting a permanent solution that restores full function and appearance.
Compare that to a pacemaker installation at $58,000, or a hip replacement at $30,000 to $50,000.
The bottom line: Dental care delivers exceptional value. It’s actually one of the most cost-effective areas of healthcare in America.
What This Means For You
If you’ve been putting off dental care because of cost concerns, you need to reconsider. The truth is, regular dental care is:
- Far less expensive than medical procedures
- More predictable in pricing
- Covered by affordable payment plans
- Essential to preventing costlier problems
- Critical to your overall health and wellbeing
Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body. Untreated dental problems lead to infections that can affect your heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Those medical complications? Now we’re talking about the really expensive stuff.
The Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills Difference
At Sekhon Dental in Agoura Hills, Dr. Navjot Sekhon, DDS, FAGD (Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry – an honor achieved by only 6% of dentists), believes you deserve complete transparency about costs. No hidden fees. No surprise bills. Just honest pricing and exceptional care.
We offer flexible payment options, including our affordable Dental Membership Plan for patients without insurance. We also work with your insurance to maximize your benefits and ensure you get the care you need without financial stress.
But most importantly, we focus on prevention using state-of-the-art technology including CBCT imaging. Because the best way to save money on dental care is to avoid needing major treatment in the first place.
Ready to Stop Worrying About Dental Costs?
Schedule your comprehensive exam today. We’ll give you a clear picture of your oral health and transparent pricing for any recommended treatment.
No Insurance? No Problem!
Ask about our affordable Dental Membership Plans – designed to make quality dental care accessible to everyone, with predictable monthly payments and significant savings on all procedures.
Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills | Voted Best Dentist in Agoura Hills
5353 Reyes Adobe Road, Suite A, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Email: smile@sekhondental.com
The Bottom Line
Dental care isn’t expensive. Not when you compare it to medical care. Not when you calculate the cost of delaying treatment. And definitely not when you consider the value you receive.
The myth that dental care is prohibitively expensive has kept too many Agoura Hills residents from getting the care they need. It’s time to put that myth to rest.
Your smile is worth investing in. Your health is worth protecting. And at Sekhon Dental, we’re here to make both affordable and accessible.
Because great dental care shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. It should be for everyone.
Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills proudly serves Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Malibu and Hidden Hills. Led by Dr. Navjot Sekhon, DDS, FAGD (UCLA graduate), our practice offers comprehensive dental care from preventive cleanings to advanced restorative procedures including dental implants, crowns, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency dental services. We utilize the latest technology including CBCT imaging to provide exceptional care at fair, transparent prices. Voted Best Dentist in Agoura Hills by Best of The Acorn 2024. Call (818) 991-5004, email smile@sekhondental.com, or visit us at 5353 Reyes Adobe Road, Suite A, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.