The most reliable way to find out is an exam and x-rays. Cavities often cause no pain until they are fairly deep, which is why routine checkups catch them early. You might also feel sensitivity to sweet foods, cold drinks, or notice a rough edge where a tooth used to feel smooth.

The area is numbed before any work starts, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration, but nothing sharp. Once the numbing wears off a few hours later, mild sensitivity for a day or two is normal and fades on its own.

Composite fillings typically last ten years or more with good home care and regular cleanings. Biting on ice, grinding your teeth, or skipping checkups can shorten that window. Dr. Shah checks existing fillings at every visit so wear or cracking gets caught before it becomes a bigger problem.

Yes. Old amalgam fillings that are cracking, leaking at the edges, or simply bothering you cosmetically can be replaced with tooth colored composite. Dr. Shah will assess each one and let you know which are worth replacing now versus which are still holding up fine.

No. Composite resin is shade matched to your natural tooth before it is placed, then polished so the surface blends with the surrounding enamel. Most patients cannot tell which tooth was treated after the appointment.