Dr.
Joseph Lichter
Relax, kick
back, the new
hi-tech dentist
is here
By Camille Sperrazza
Y
ou no longer have to fear
the dentist.
Dr. Joseph Lichter
(1122 Avenue P, 718-339-7878)
says the high-tech equip-
ment at his office utilizes “less
aggressive techniques” than
have been used in the past,
which means that a visit to the
dentist can be a pleasant expe-
rience.
For example, one of the lat-
est pieces of equipment in his
state-of-the-art facility is the
laser drill. This needle-free
device targets areas of decay.
Because there is no vibration,
it doesn’t disturb surround-
ing areas, as traditional drills
sometimes do. Swelling is
greatly reduced, and patients
are much more comfortable.
So much so, that certain pro-
cedures can be done without
any anesthesia. How’s that for
comfort?
This family practice has
been in operation for more
than 60 years. It’s been at its
present location for 30 years.
Dr. Lichter continues the tradi-
tion of providing quality dental
care to the people of this com-
munity, and encourages all
to become “pro-active about
dental health,” especially since
studies have shown that good
dental hygiene is essential to
overall health and well-being.
Dr. Lichter treats people of
all ages, including children and
seniors. “We keep children’s
smiles bright and healthy,” he
says. For those who are aging,
he does the same, provid-
12 WHO’S WHO 2010
12
ing patients with implants,
veneers, and cosmetic surgery.
He accommodates all emer-
gency situations, too.
The friendly staff has “one
goal,” he says: To help you
overcome the primitive fears
that have long been associated
with dentistry.
“Don’t be afraid of stere-
otypes associated with proce-
dures such as crowns, extrac-
tions, and root canals,” says
Dr. Lichter. Modern technol-
ogy has erased those concerns.
Years ago, dental drills used
hard metal bits that were slow
in speed, but today’s equip-
ment is so advanced, it has
eliminated many of the com-
mon complaints, he says.
“We promote minimally-in-
vasive dentistry,” he explains.
The staff is trained to put you
at ease, as well. They patiently
answer questions, and assure
your safety and well-being.
They are child-friendly, and
three dental hygienists are on
staff.
Digital x-rays are offered,
which expose patients to much
less radiation than traditional
x-rays. They make undergoing
x-rays much more comfort-
able, too.
Another modern piece of
equipment used at the facility
is the Velscope, the latest oral
cancer screening technology.
“The laser light helps detect
oral cancer,” the doctor says.
This very real form of cancer is
“under-mentioned,” he notes.
Yet, studies indicate that “25%
of the people have no pre-dis-
Dr. Joseph Lichter
posing risk factors,” he says. “In
North America, approximately
34,000 people were diagnosed
with oral cancer, and 8,500
died from the disease in 2006.”
Awareness of this type of can-
cer is growing, he says, and it’s
fortunate that this new tech-
nology can detect it.
Dr. Lichter utilizes Zoom
bleaching and whitening, as
shown on the television show,
“Extreme Makeover,” he says.
“It’s fast and easy, and the
results are amazing.”
His state-of-the-art bleach-
ing techniques can be per-
formed during a one-and-a-
half hour visit to the office, he
says, “as opposed to a take-
home procedure that would
take about two weeks to do.”
Invisalign is another great
advance in the field of dentist-
ry. Targeted at young adults,
this process straightens teeth
“without the stigma associated
with braces,” says Dr. Lichter.
“Try telling a patient in the
their twenties they need brac-
es,” he says. The news is not
greeted with much enthusi-
asm. Invisalign is a wonderful
alternative because it corrects
2010 • WHO’S WHO IN BROOKLYN MEDICINE
DENTIST
conditions such as overcrowd-
ed teeth, widely spaced teeth,
and bite, that were once only
possible to do with traditional
orthodontic procedures.
Dr. Joseph Lichter
1122 Avenue P
718-339-7878
SPECIALIZES IN:
Full service general dental office
INSURANCE:
Most major insurance plans are
accepted
HOURS:
Mondays, Wednesdays,
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursdays, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fridays, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sundays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
TRANSPORTATION:
B7, B68, B82 buses
B, Q trains
PARKING:
Street parking available
Handicapped accessible