You need to see a periodontist for an evaluation. From your description, it sounds like you are beginning to show signs of periodontitis (gum disease that leads to bone loss around teeth) and gum recession. Only a periodontist can properly evaluate these conditions and propose necessary treatment. Periodontitis is not related to tooth decay, and you may have no decay and severe periodontitis or vice versa.

Take a look at periodontists' reviews in your area on this website. I am a periodontist in San Francisco. Here is the contact information for one of the Board certified periodontists in your area:

Anderson, Dennis M DDS

Active Member

Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

3635 N 129th St

Omaha NE 68164

Phone: (402) 493-9429

Fax: (402) 493-4746

Sincerely,

It does sound as if you may need a periodontist. (FYI, a periodontist is a dental specialist whose focus is the attachment and support of teeth.) My primary concern is that if spacing is starting to develop between many teeth, the gums and bone are not supporting the teeth properly. This most likely (although not positively) indicates fairly advanced periodontitis (gum disease).

Recession alone is not quite as scary. The difference is that it does not pose as much a threat to you keeping your teeth. Recession does expose root surfaces which can be quite sensitive, however. If minor, we can desensitize the tooth, which is a very simple procedure. If severe, I would recommend a periodontist to recover the root with a gum graft.

As far as the chipped teeth go, the question is how severe it is. A minor one can simply be smoothed off. A larger one can require between a simple filling all the way to crown.