Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral health is fundamental to overall well-being; however, dental services in Greece are predominantly provided by the private sector, with limited public coverage, resulting in substantial out-of-pocket expenses and unmet treatment needs. This study presents the first comprehensive cost analysis of prosthodontic rehabilitation for partial and complete edentulism in Greece from the patient's perspective. METHODS: A retrospective micro-costing methodology was used for 76 patients treated at a private clinic between 2021 and 2022. Costs were categorised by treatment modality, including fixed prostheses (e.g., implants, conventional bridges, Maryland bridges, and combined techniques) and removable options (e.g., complete dentures, partial dentures, thermoplastic prostheses, and implant-supported overdentures). RESULTS: The average cost per tooth varied widely: implants (€1,329.57), combined fixed restorations (€898.41), conventional bridges (€430.49), Maryland bridges (€356.25), partial dentures (€207.00), implant-supported overdentures (€202.21), thermoplastic prostheses (€79.38), and complete dentures (€77.92). Treatment duration ranged from approximately 0.4 months for Maryland bridges to over 6 months for implant procedures. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal notable cost disparities across treatment modalities and emphasise the financial burden associated with implant-based therapies. The results provide essential evidence for policymakers and healthcare professionals to guide reimbursement initiatives and improve access to prosthodontic care in Greece, where private expenditure is predominant.