The holiday rush is here, and between Thanksgiving plans and gift shopping, you might not realize your dental benefits are expiring. But here’s something worth pausing for: if you have dental insurance or an FSA, that unused coverage is about to disappear.

December 31st is the cutoff. Any dental benefits expiring at year’s end won’t roll over into 2026—they’re simply gone. And honestly? That’s money you’ve already paid for through premiums all year long.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, Dr. Vikas Sikka and our team help Upland families navigate this deadline every year. We’ve seen too many patients lose hundreds of dollars in coverage simply because life got busy. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Understanding Why Your Dental Benefits Reset Annually

Most dental plans operate on a calendar year cycle, which catches a lot of people off guard. Your plan includes an annual maximum—typically between $1,000 and $2,000—representing the total amount your insurance will cover. The American Dental Association recommends understanding these limits to make informed decisions about your care.

Here’s the frustrating part: if you’ve only used a fraction of that maximum, you can’t save the rest for later. Come January 1st, the counter resets to zero regardless of how much you’ve used.

Your deductible works similarly. If you’ve already met your 2025 deductible, treatments for the rest of this year cost you less out-of-pocket. Wait until January, and you’ll start paying toward that deductible all over again.

The Real Cost of Unused Dental Insurance at Year End

When dental benefits expiring goes unaddressed, it’s not just about wasted coverage. Small dental issues have a way of becoming expensive problems.

That minor cavity your dentist mentioned six months ago? Without treatment, it could progress to the point where you need a crown or root canal. We’re talking about the difference between a $200 filling and a $1,200 procedure.

Preventive care like cleanings and exams is typically covered at 100% by most insurance plans. According to studies on preventive dental care, regular checkups can catch problems early—before a small cavity becomes a root canal. These visits aren’t just about keeping your teeth clean—they’re your first line of defense against costly surprises down the road.

Smart Moves to Maximize Expiring Dental Benefits

Getting the most from your coverage before the deadline takes a bit of planning, but it’s absolutely doable.

First, check your remaining balance. Call your insurance provider or log into your account to see exactly what’s left of your annual maximum. While you’re at it, verify your FSA balance too—IRS guidelines for FSA accounts mean those funds typically expire at year’s end as well.

Next, think about any treatments you’ve been postponing. Restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns that you’ve put off are perfect candidates for year-end scheduling. Our team can help you prioritize what makes sense to complete now versus what can wait.

For larger treatment plans, consider splitting the work across benefit years. Complete part of the procedure in December using your 2025 benefits, then finish in January with fresh 2026 coverage. It’s a strategy that can save families significant money.

Why Inland Empire Families Trust Higher Ground Dentistry

Finding time for dental appointments during the holidays feels nearly impossible—we get it. Between work, school events, and family obligations, weekday appointments just don’t work for everyone.

That’s exactly why we offer Saturday hours. While most dental offices close for the weekend, Dr. Vikas Sikka and our team are here for Upland families who need flexibility. No taking time off work, no pulling kids out of school.

Our bilingual team also serves the Inland Empire’s Spanish-speaking community with the same thorough, compassionate care—because everyone deserves to understand their treatment options fully.

And if the yearly scramble to use dental benefits expiring sounds exhausting, ask about our in-house dental membership plan. It’s a straightforward alternative that eliminates the December deadline stress entirely.

Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire—Schedule Today

Your dental benefits represent real value—value you’ve paid for all year. Don’t let the holiday chaos cause you to lose coverage your family has earned.

Call Higher Ground Dentistry today to schedule your appointment. Our Upland office serves families throughout Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, Ontario, and the greater Inland Empire, with Sat and Sun availability to fit your busy schedule.

Your 2025 dental benefits are expiring soon. Let’s make sure you use every dollar before they’re gone.