If you live in Buffalo, chances are you've been through Lancaster more times than you can count. It's an easy drive, and for many people, it's where they come when they're ready to replace a missing tooth with something that feels more permanent.
At White Maple Dental, Dr. Nathan Riexinger helps patients explore dental implants without rushing them into treatment. Some people have been missing a tooth for years. Others are planning ahead after hearing a tooth can't be saved. Every conversation starts in a different place, which is why the first visit is built around listening before recommending anything.
People arrive with different questions.
"Can an implant replace this tooth?"
"Will I need a bone graft?"
"How long does everything take?"
Those are the kinds of conversations Dr. Nathan Riexinger has every week.
He'll examine your teeth, review digital images, and explain what he sees in plain language. If your jawbone appears healthy enough for an implant, he'll walk you through the process. If additional treatment should happen first, you'll understand why before making any decisions.
The goal isn't to send you home with more dental terms to remember. It's to help you leave knowing what your options actually are.
Many patients tell us they appreciate having enough time to ask questions without feeling like the appointment is already over.
Dr. Nathan Riexinger returned to Lancaster after dental school because he wanted to practice close to home. He enjoys the detailed planning that goes into implant treatment, but he also believes every recommendation should come with an explanation.
If healing may take several months, he'll tell you.
If another treatment is likely to work better, he'll tell you that too.
Simple conversations like those make it easier to decide what's right for you.
Before the crown is attached, a small titanium implant is placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. Over time, the bone heals around it, creating a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
That healing period can't be rushed, and that's intentional. Giving the implant time to integrate with the bone helps support the final restoration.
Once the crown is attached, the goal is simple. Your replacement tooth should feel like it belongs there.
Dental implants can replace different numbers of missing teeth depending on your needs.
A single implant supports one custom-made crown without relying on neighboring teeth.
Implants may be used to support bridges that replace several teeth while reducing the need for removable appliances.
Some patients who have lost most or all of their teeth may qualify for implant-supported full-arch restorations. During your consultation, Dr. Riexinger will explain whether this option fits your oral health and treatment goals.
Implants aren't completed in one appointment, and that's actually part of what makes the treatment successful. Your jawbone needs time to heal around the implant before the final crown is attached.
We'll examine your oral health, review digital images, and determine whether implants are a good fit.
Every step of treatment is mapped out before anything begins so you'll know what to expect.
The titanium implant is placed into the jawbone, where healing takes place over the next several months.
Once healing is complete, your custom-made crown is attached, completing the restoration.
Every treatment timeline is different, and we'll explain yours before treatment starts.
People sometimes expect an implant to feel unusual.
The opposite is usually the goal.
After healing, most people aren't thinking about the implant while eating dinner or talking with friends. They simply go about their day.
Maybe it's biting into a sandwich without automatically shifting food to one side.
Maybe it's smiling in a group photo without wondering if the gap is noticeable.
Those small moments tend to matter more than people expect.
Dental implants may also provide:
Whether an implant is the right treatment depends on your oral health, and that's something your consultation will help determine.
Dr. Nathan Riexinger chose dentistry because it gave him a chance to combine detailed hands-on work with meaningful conversations.
After graduating from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, he returned to Lancaster, the community where he grew up. He'd rather spend a few extra minutes explaining why a treatment is recommended than have someone leave the office still wondering about their options.
Outside the office, Dr. Riexinger and his family support Make a Difference Rescue of Western New York and continue rescuing dogs from Puerto Rico, something that's become an important part of their lives.
Dental implant benefits vary depending on your insurance plan.
Before treatment begins, our team can review your coverage, explain what benefits may apply, and discuss available payment options if implant treatment isn't included.
You'll know what to expect before making any decisions.
Q: How long do dental implants last?
With healthy gums, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits, implants can last for many years. Every patient's situation is different.
Q: Does getting a dental implant hurt?
Local anesthetic is used during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal while the area heals.
Q: How long does the implant treatment take?
Treatment often takes several months because the implant needs time to bond with the jawbone before the crown is attached.
Q: Can one implant replace one missing tooth?
Yes. A single implant with a custom-made crown is a common way to replace one missing tooth.
Q: Am I too old for dental implants?
Age alone usually isn't the deciding factor. Your oral health, bone support, and overall health are more important considerations.
Q: Is White Maple Dental located in Buffalo?
No. White Maple Dental is located in Lancaster, NY, and welcomes patients from Buffalo and surrounding Western New York communities.
If you're searching for dental implants near Buffalo, NY, White Maple Dental is only a short drive away in Lancaster. Bring your questions. We'll review your digital images together, explain what's happening, and talk about the treatments that fit your situation. There isn't any pressure to make a decision during your first appointment. The consultation is simply a chance to understand your options and decide when the timing is right for you.
