Dental Implants: Are They Tax Deductible?

The cost of a medical or dental procedure is a concern for many individuals. Some people feel that they can’t afford a necessary dental intervention out of financial fear. But you shouldn’t consider oral health to be a luxury. Whether you have missing teeth because of decay, injury, aging, or another cause, it’s important to replace them promptly, as tooth loss has been linked to both physical and mental health issues. Dental implants are the most durable and stable way to replace missing teeth. Plus, it’s worth noting that dental implants can be tax deductible, making them a financially savvy choice come tax season.

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts that we screw directly into the jawbone. They provide a sturdy anchor for various dental restorations, such as dental crowns, implant-supported dental bridges, and implant dentures. We can even use them to stabilize your loose dentures. However, implants aren’t just for holding teeth in place; they also provide oral health benefits.

When you lose your teeth, your jawbone deteriorates due to a lack of stimulation from the tooth’s roots. If the roots aren’t replaced, your jaw function diminishes, and your facial appearance may change. Additionally, your remaining teeth will move into the empty spaces like settlers in the Old West claiming “unoccupied” territory. Those empty tooth sockets are also prime areas for bacteria to gather, potentially leading to the development of gum disease.

Dr. Fine, who has placed dental implants since 1989, now focuses on mini dental implants at our practice, the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Wayne, NJ. These implants replace the missing tooth root, offering a solid foundation for new artificial teeth. Mini implants are smaller than conventional implants, which not only speeds up their placement and healing time but also makes the procedure more affordable, often costing half as much as traditional implants. With this expertise, you can trust you’re in expert hands when choosing an implant solution at our center.

Both traditional and mini dental implants offer dependable solutions for replacing missing teeth. The bonus is that dental implants, regardless of their size, may be tax deductible.

How Dental Implants Are Tax Deductible

Dental implants are tax deductible under IRS Topic no. 502, which covers medical and dental expenses. Publication 502 considers “false teeth” an eligible deduction because the treatment affects a “structure or function of the body.” The IRS allows you to deduct eligible medical and dental expenses exceeding 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

However, it’s essential to note that any expenses covered by your insurance or paid for with a Health Savings Account covers are NOT eligible to be part of your deduction.

To take advantage of this tax benefit, you’ll need to itemize your deductions on your tax return. If you aren’t familiar or comfortable with this process, we recommend seeking the help of a certified tax professional. These financial experts can walk you through it and ensure that every detail is done correctly.

How to Deduct Your Implant Expenses

To take advantage of this potential tax break, remember you’ll need to itemize your deductions instead of claiming the standard deduction. It’s beneficial to itemize when your deductions exceed the standard deduction amount.

You can determine whether you’re eligible for this deduction by following a few simple steps.

1. Determine your Adjusted Gross Income: As you do each year for your tax return, you’ll need to determine your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Your AGI consists of your total income minus other adjustments. Eligible adjustments include contributions to retirement accounts, certain health insurance premiums, student loan interest, and more. Your AGI is recorded on Line 11 of your federal taxes, Form 1040.
2. Calculate the minimum threshold: Then, calculate 7.5% of your AGI, which will serve as your minimum threshold. You can only deduct expenses that exceed the threshold. For example, if your AGI is $50,000, then 7.5% of that would be $3,750. In this case, you won’t be able to count the first $3,750 of your medical expenses as part of your deduction.
3. Calculate your deduction amount: To continue this example, if your dental implants and other qualifying medical expenses total $18,000, subtract $3,750 to determine your deduction amount. In this case, you can deduct $14,250 ($18,000 – $3,750). This lowers your taxable income, saving you money.

Learn More About Tax Deductible Dental Implants

If you need to replace missing teeth but have financial concerns, mini dental implants are a great option. Thanks to their more affordable pricing and tax-deductible potential, a brand-new smile is more affordable than ever with mini dental implants. Contact us to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how dental implants can save your smile while saving you money!