The primary reason patients require dental fillings is to address cavities that are caused by tooth decay. Other bad habits can also lead to the need for a dental filling, too, such as chronic tooth grinding, biting your nails, or chewing ice. The first symptom of a problem, such as a toothache or sensitivity, could be an indication that you have tooth decay or trauma that needs urgent attention. Fillings are a good restorative dental option to fix the damage caused by these issues. Remember that even a small cavity can progress to a much bigger problem down the road, eventually leading to tooth loss. We seek to prevent that from ever happening, and that’s why we encourage routine dental exams and checkups.