
Oral Surgery in Brighton, MI
Resolve complex dental concerns through precise surgical treatment for lasting comfort and oral health.
What is Oral Surgery?
Some dental problems can't be solved with a filling or a crown alone. When a tooth is broken below the gumline, when bone loss threatens your jaw, or when wisdom teeth crowd against their neighbors, oral surgery gives us a direct path to fix what's happening beneath the surface. At Schaefer Dental Group in Brighton, MI, we perform these procedures right here in our office so you can stay with a team you already know.
Oral surgery covers a lot of ground. We handle complex extractions, prepare bone for future implants, and remove tissue for biopsy when something looks unusual. Each case starts with detailed imaging so we can plan the approach before anything begins. Most patients in Brighton, MI are surprised by how quickly they're back to their normal routine.
Benefits of Oral Surgery
Oral surgery at our practice focuses on solving the root problem so you can get back to eating, sleeping, and living without pain.
Same-Day Answers, Not Guesses
We use 3D imaging to see exactly what's going on beneath the surface before anything starts. That means a clear diagnosis and a specific treatment plan, not a wait-and-see approach.
Sedation That Keeps You Calm
You stay relaxed and comfortable throughout your procedure. Most patients tell us the appointment felt shorter than the drive to our Brighton, MI office.
Less Disruption, Quicker Recovery
Precise surgical techniques mean less tissue disruption, which helps your body heal more quickly. Many patients return to normal meals within just a few days.
Who Needs Oral Surgery?

If you have a wisdom tooth that is pushing against its neighbors, or a tooth too damaged for a filling or a crown to save, oral surgery may be the clearest path forward. We also see patients in Brighton, MI who need tissue removed for a biopsy, or whose jaw structure needs preparation before placing dental implants.
Teens and young adults dealing with impacted wisdom teeth make up a large share of our surgical cases, but adults of any age may need a procedure for cysts, infections that have reached the bone, or teeth broken below the gumline. We evaluate every case with detailed imaging first, so you know exactly what to expect and why surgery is the right call.
Advanced Oral Surgery Technology

3D cone beam imaging gives us a full view of your jaw, nerve pathways, and bone density in a single scan that takes about fifteen seconds. Compared to a standard x-ray, the detail is dramatically better. We can measure bone thickness down to a fraction of a millimeter, which means fewer surprises once a procedure starts and more precise incision planning for every case.
Piezoelectric instruments let us work on bone without affecting the soft tissue right next to it. The ultrasonic tip cuts hard structure while leaving nerves, membranes, and gum tissue largely undisturbed. That translates to less swelling afterward and a shorter healing window. We also use advanced hemostatic materials that promote clot stability, so the surgical site stays protected during those first critical days of recovery.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We start by taking a 3D scan so we can see exactly what we're working with, including the roots, bone, and any nearby nerves. Once we have a clear picture, we numb the area thoroughly. You'll feel pressure during the procedure but no sharp pain. Most oral surgery appointments run 30 to 60 minutes depending on complexity, and we check in with you throughout.
Afterward, expect some swelling that peaks around day two or three, then steadily fades. We send you home with clear written instructions and a follow-up already scheduled, usually within a week. Most patients are back to soft foods the same day and eating more normally within five to seven days as the tissue heals.

Before Your Appointment
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Arrange a ride home before your appointment, since anesthesia or sedation used during oral surgery makes driving unsafe afterward.
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Skip food and drinks for at least six hours before your procedure if we've planned sedation or general anesthesia for your surgery.
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Bring a list of every medication and supplement you take, including blood thinners or aspirin, so we can adjust your surgical plan safely.
After Your Appointment
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Bite down firmly on the gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery, replacing it if bleeding soaks through.
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Skip straws, spitting, and rinsing for the first 24 hours so the blood clot at the surgical site stays intact.
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Hold off on exercise and heavy lifting for at least 72 hours to keep swelling down and protect the healing tissue.
Why Brighton Patients Love Their Experience at Schaefer Dental Group
See how the right dental care helped them feel healthier and more confident in their smiles.
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"Very pleased with my experience at Schaefer Dental in Brighton. Everyone there has been pleasant and helpful with any question about billing or any dental procedures. I highly recommend this office."
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"I can’t say enough positive things about this group! From the front desk to the hygienist and then the dentists. Everyone is so welcoming and kind. It feels more like family than a dental office staff. 10/10!!!"
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"Dr. Manningham is awesome. He explains everything he is going to do before he does it. He’s very gentle. The office has all the new state of the art equipment. I highly recommend them."
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I eat solid food after oral surgery?
Most patients return to soft foods within a day or two and resume normal eating within about a week. Harder foods like raw vegetables or crusty bread may take closer to ten days, depending on the procedure.
Is oral surgery safe if I take blood thinners?
We regularly treat patients on blood thinners. We review your full medication list beforehand and coordinate with your physician if any adjustments are needed so healing stays on track.
Can oral surgery be done on older adults?
Age alone is not a barrier. We evaluate overall health, bone density, and medications before recommending a procedure. Many of our patients in their 70s and 80s heal well with proper planning.
How long do I need to take off work after oral surgery?
That depends on the procedure. Simple soft-tissue work may only need a day of rest, while bone-related procedures in Brighton, MI typically call for two to four days before most patients feel ready to return.
When might a dental implant be placed instead of another oral surgery option?
An implant is often the best long-term choice when a tooth can't be saved. We sometimes place one the same day as an extraction if the bone is strong enough, which cuts down on total healing time.
Take the First Step Today
Comfortable, personalized dental care designed to keep every visit simple, smooth, and stress-free.











Your Next Visit Starts Here
Ready to take the next step? Contact Schaefer Dental Group in Brighton, MI to book your visit.
- CLINIC HOURS
Monday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM – 2 PM
Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Friday – Sunday: Closed




