How FSAs are Making Dental Implants Affordable in 2025

Last updated on February 10th, 2025 at 11:25 pm

Marcus Hines: Author

How FSAs are Making Dental Implants Affordable in 2025

Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring your smile and regaining your function. Whether you are replacing a single missing tooth or a set of dentures, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) will help make your dental implant treatment affordable. Your FSA can be used for dental implants, and with updated benefits in 2025, funding an FSA to help manage dental implant fees has never made more sense. Flexibility, tax savings and a payment plan are among its greatest benefits. In this post I will explain how an FSA can help you supplement the overall cost of your dental implants and fit your budget.

What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

First, let’s define what a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is. An FSA is a special type of savings account that allows you to set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck to pay for qualified medical expenses. FSAs are offered through your employer, and the funds you contribute to the account are deducted from your paycheck before taxes are applied. This means that you save money by lowering your taxable income, which can reduce your overall tax burden.

FSAs can be used to pay for a wide range of healthcare expenses, including medications, doctor visits, lab tests, and dental procedures. The funds in your FSA can also be used for dental treatments such as fillings, cleanings, orthodontics, and dental implants.

Why Consider Funding an FSA for Dental Implants?

When my children were small, it seemed they were always at the pediatrician or dentist’s office for something or another. For this reason, maximizing my FSA contributions made total sense. I was going to spend the money anyway on medical/dental co-pays, braces, etc.

Not to mention uninsured medical and dental needs for my wife and myself. Why wouldn’t I take advantage of the tax savings and full year payment plan — split up over 26 pay periods — by funding an FSA?

It goes without saying, dental implants are not cheap. The cost typically includes the implant itself, surgery, and implant abutment and crown. I explained this in detail on our Cost of Dental Implants page. This can make paying out-of-pocket for dental implants a challenge, unless you establish a payment plan.

4 Benefits of Funding an FSA for Dental Implants

1. Tax Savings

One of the biggest advantages of funding an FSA has to do with tax saving. Since FSA contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, you lower your taxable income. This means you pay less in federal, state, and Social Security taxes. Essentially, you are getting a discount on your implant procedure in the form of tax savings.

For example, if you contribute $2,000 to your FSA, you won’t be taxed on that amount. This could save you between 20-30% depending on your tax bracket. If you are in the 30% tax bracket, it’s like receiving $2,600 worth of dental implant treatment for only $2,000 when compared to after tax dollars!

2. It’s Like Establishing a 12-Month Payment Plan

Funding an FSA allows you to contribute a set amount of money each pay period, making it easier to budget for your procedure. For instance, let’s presume your employer operates on a calendar year and you began funding your FSA in January with $2,000. If you begin your dental implant treatment in January, in most cases you can apply all $2,000 of your planned FSA contributions to your implant procedure, immediately. Meanwhile, only $76.92 is withheld from each of your paychecks for the remainder of the year ($2,000 ÷ 26 pay periods = $76.92). Instead of paying everything at once, your FSA allows you to establish a 12-month payment plan.

If you plan to spend at least $3,300 out of pock on dental/medical expenses, in the same calendar year, I would argue that it’s worth maximizing your FSA contributions. Continue reading for more details on FSA maximum contribution limits.

3. Counting on Dental Insurance for Implants is a Mistake

Most dental insurances will not cover dental implants. Those that do have very limited coverage. If your insurance doesn’t cover dental implants or only covers a portion of the cost, you can use your FSA to cover the remainder. This ensures that you can still move forward with your treatment without worrying about the financial burden. Visit our Dental Insurance for Implants page for a complete breakdown of dental insurance and implants.

4. FSA Contributions Roll Over, a 2025 Update

In 2025, there is an important update that makes FSAs more flexible than before. While FSA funds are consider traditionally “use-it-or-lose-it” — meaning you have to spend the funds within the plan year — many employers now offer a rollover option. In 2025, for the first time employees can carry over up to $660 of unused FSA funds into the following year.

Note: Any unused funds left in your FSA at the end of the year, above $610, you will lose them. It is advisable that you budget your contributes accordingly.

FSA Maximum Contribution Limits for 2025

It’s important to understand the contribution limits for FSAs, especially when planning for significant expenses like dental implants. The IRS sets annual contribution limits for FSAs, and for 2025, the maximum contribution limit is $3,300 per year for an individual. This means you can set aside up to $3,300 from your pre-tax earnings to cover medical expenses.

If both you and your spouse have access to FSAs through your respective employers, you could each contribute up to $3,300, meaning you could potentially save up to $6,600 in total for healthcare and dental expenses.

How to Use Your FSA for Dental Implants

Here’s how to make the most of your FSA to pay for dental implants:

Contribute to Your FSA
If you’re not already contributing to an FSA, speak with your employer to set up an account. Make sure to plan how much you will contribute for the year based on your expected medical or dental expenses, including dental implants. Since a single dental implant is like to cost you between $4,000 – $5,000, it’s wise to maximize your FSA contributions for the year.
Use Your FSA Funds Immediately Following Your Procedure
When you’re ready to undergo your dental implant treatment, you can use your FSA funds to pay for it. Depending on your provider, you may need to pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement, or you may be able to use an FSA debit card to pay directly.
Track Your Expenses
Keep all receipts and documentation related to your dental implant treatment. FSAs require proof of payment and eligibility for reimbursement. Staying organized will make the process easier.

Summary

Dental implants are a life-changing treatment, but they can be expensive. Thankfully, an FSA can help you manage the costs of dental implants. With tax savings and a whole year to fund it, an FSA is an invaluable tool that can make your dental implant procedure more affordable. By funding an FSA to make the cost of your implant treatment affordable, you reduce the financial burden.

This type of payment plan can help you enjoy the benefits of a healthy, confident smile without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to take advantage of your FSA benefits, talk to your HR department. Plan ahead to ensure funds are available when you need them. With the right planning, you can make your dental implant treatment affordable with the help of your FSA.