BISCO held a Dental Learning CE webinar titled Holy Cow! I Didn’t Know You Could Do That with Composite!, presented by Dr. John Gammichia. The session delivered a look at what is truly possible with modern composite dentistry and challenged many long held assumptions about when composite should and should not be used.

Dr. Gammichia is a full time private practice dentist with over 30 years of clinical experience. His perspective is grounded in everyday dentistry, treating patients who present with broken cusps, deep decay, cracks, and financial limitations. Rather than defaulting to crowns, on lays, or extractions, he has built a practice philosophy focused on using composite restorations to save teeth in a predictable, efficient, and highly esthetic way.

Dr. Gammichia reviewed adhesion, selective etching, beveling, and minimally invasive principles that form the foundation of long lasting composite dentistry. From there, he expanded those same principles into much larger and more complex restorations that many clinicians would traditionally treatment plan for indirect restorations.

A major focus of the presentation was managing large and deep restorations. Dr. Gammichia discussed current evidence supporting incomplete caries removal in vital teeth, emphasizing that preserving pulp health often means intentionally leaving decay at the deepest point while ensuring a well sealed restoration. Numerous clinical examples demonstrated successful outcomes in cases that many clinicians might consider too risky for composite.

Rather than relying solely on full coverage restorations, Dr. Gammichia showed how composite reinforcement techniques can stabilize teeth, relieve symptoms, and extend longevity. Many of the cases presented included long term follow ups, reinforcing the durability of properly placed composite restorations.

Dr. Gammichia emphasized the importance of proper systems and materials. Reliable adhesive protocols, effective matrix systems, high quality curing lights, and disciplined curing techniques were identified as critical factors in long term success.

Dr. Gammichia demonstrated that large composite restorations can last for many years and can be highly profitable when efficiency is considered.

This webinar was ultimately about more than composite dentistry. It was about changing perspective, embracing thoughtful risk, and finding satisfaction in saving teeth whenever possible.