Alive or not??

Question

How do you know if your tooth is dead or alive?
I have this molar that has had 3 UNSUCCESSFUL fillings and just a couple days ago, pieces of the tooth started falling out (little pieces) and tonight, 2 pieces of the filling I guess came out (they were black though.) Even before the pieces of tooth and filling fell out, the tooth looked pretty black. It doesn't hurt either and didn't when this stuff fell out of it.

Answer 1

This could just mean that the filling was not close to the nerve. The tooth could be dead, but it's unlikely if you have not had a root canal. What you need to do is get back to the dentist so they can take an x-ray and repair that filling for you so that you don't get anymore decay around the tooth. Molars are VERY important and you don't want to lose it! GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

If the fillings are in the last couple of years I would recommend finding a new dentist. If the fillings is so big that it cant support the tooth then get a crown done on it. A healthy tooth when enamel or portion of the tooth is broken, stimulates the nerve of the tooth.
Test: Place ice on the tooth, after 10-15 sec it should stimulate the nerve and quickly subside if it is healthy. If it doesn't stimulate the nerve it could be dead. If the cold sensations lingers for 20-30 seconds then the nerve is not health. Either sick or dead a root canal is recommended.
P.S. It is not normal to have fillings fall out. Black stuff you see is bacteria and corrosion from the metal filling. Also recommend resin bonded filling over metal.

Answer 3

i think that you should goto back to dentist and have them check your teeth again