For many people in Marilla, Lancaster is already part of the weekly routine. Whether it's work, grocery shopping, or visiting family, it's a familiar drive. If you're thinking about replacing a missing tooth, it's also where you'll find White Maple Dental.
Dr. Nathan Riexinger provides dental implant treatment for patients looking for a long-term way to replace missing teeth. Some visits start because a tooth broke and couldn't be saved. Others happen years after a tooth was lost, when the space finally becomes more frustrating than easy to ignore.
No two stories are exactly alike, and that's why your consultation begins with a conversation instead of assumptions.
Some people arrive convinced they want an implant. Others aren't sure what questions to ask yet. Both are perfectly normal. Dr. Nathan Riexinger will examine your teeth, review digital images, and explain what he sees in straightforward language. You'll talk about how long the tooth has been missing, whether the surrounding area has changed, and what options are available based on your oral health.
If an implant is a good fit, you'll learn what the process involves and how long healing typically takes. If another option makes more sense, you'll hear that too. A consultation should leave you with answers, not more uncertainty.
Dr. Nathan Riexinger has lived in Lancaster for most of his life, so seeing patients from nearby Marilla feels like helping neighbors rather than treating people from another city. He enjoys the planning that goes into implant treatment, but he doesn't expect patients to understand every technical detail. That's his job.
If additional healing time is needed, he'll explain why. If an implant isn't the right choice today, he'll explain that too. Patients appreciate knowing what to expect before treatment starts instead of learning along the way.
Think of an implant as the foundation before the visible tooth.
A small titanium post is placed into the jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. Over time, the bone heals around it, creating a stable base for a custom-made dental crown.
That healing period matters. It gives the implant the support it needs before the final tooth is attached.
The goal isn't simply to fill an empty space. It's to replace a tooth in a way that feels dependable during everyday life.
Dental implants can be used in different ways depending on your situation.
A single implant and custom crown replace an individual missing tooth without relying on neighboring teeth for support.
Implants can support bridges that replace multiple teeth while reducing the need for removable appliances.
Some patients who are missing most or all of their teeth may be candidates for implant-supported full-arch restorations. During your consultation, Dr. Riexinger will explain whether this approach fits your oral health and treatment goals.
Dental implants happen in stages because your jawbone needs time to heal around the implant.
We'll evaluate your oral health, review digital images, and discuss your goals.
If implants are recommended, your treatment plan will outline each step before treatment begins.
The implant is placed into the jawbone, where it gradually bonds with the surrounding bone during healing.
Once healing is complete, your custom-made crown is attached to the implant, completing the restoration.
No two treatment plans follow exactly the same timeline, and we'll explain what yours is expected to look like before getting started.
One of the questions people ask most is, "Will it feel different?"
Once everything has healed, most people aren't thinking about the implant every time they eat lunch or smile across the dinner table. That's really the point.
You shouldn't have to plan around a missing tooth.
You should be able to enjoy a meal with family, laugh during a conversation, or bite into a sandwich without automatically shifting food to the other side of your mouth.
Dental implants may also provide:
Whether an implant is the best solution depends on your oral health, and that's something Dr. Riexinger will evaluate during your consultation.
Dr. Nathan Riexinger believes good dentistry starts with listening.
He became a dentist because he enjoys working with his hands while building relationships with people over time. After earning his dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, he returned home to Lancaster to serve the community he knows best.
Patients appreciate that appointments don't feel rushed. Questions are encouraged, treatment recommendations are explained in plain language, and you'll always know why something is being recommended.
Outside the office, Dr. Riexinger and his family stay involved with local rescue organizations and continue their work rescuing dogs from Puerto Rico. It's simply part of who they are.
Dental implant coverage varies depending on your insurance plan.
Before treatment begins, our team can review your benefits and explain what your plan may cover. If implant treatment isn't included, we'll discuss available payment options so you understand the financial side before making a decision.
Q: How long do dental implants last?
With healthy gums, good home care, and regular dental visits, dental implants can last for many years. Every patient is different, so longevity varies.
Q: Does getting a dental implant hurt?
The procedure is completed using local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Some soreness afterward is normal while the area heals.
Q: How long does implant treatment take?
Treatment varies depending on healing time and your individual treatment plan. Many implant cases take several months from start to finish.
Q: Can one dental implant replace a single 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 Marilla?
No. White Maple Dental is located in Lancaster, NY, and proudly serves patients from Marilla and surrounding communities throughout Western New York.
At White Maple Dental, we’re more than a dental office—we’re a local team who genuinely cares about your smile, your comfort, and your story. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we’ll meet you with kindness and help you take the next step with confidence.
