I had a dental implant 5 months ago. How long do I have before adjacent teeth shift enough to cause crown placement issues?

When a tooth is removed, the adjacent neighboring teeth and the opposing teeth begin to shift. This occurs because every tooth has a tendency to shift and relies on having teeth next to it and opposite it to be stable. This move my is a very gradual process. keep on mind that it is not uncommon for a tooth to be extracted and allowed to heal with a bone graft for 4-6 months before an implant is placed. Once the implant is placed, there is an additional waiting period of 4-6 months. So, as you can see, we routinely have waiting periods of 12 or more months without an implant crown without any negative consequences. As long as you can the implant restored within the next 6 months or so, I don't believe you need to be concerned. I hope oped you found this info action helpful,Dr Champagne

Dentist will evaluate your dentition and let you know if your bite can still be restored and any missing teeth replaced.

You are approaching a time when changes will certainly begin to take place if something is not done.  If significant movement of the adjacent teeth has not occurred yet, you can do something about it.  I would suggest finding a Dentist who would be willing to check the situation.  If the adjacent teeth have not move significantly, have them make a removable retainer or night guard that you can wear every night.  It will help keep the adjacent teeth from moving into that space.    You do not have to have the permanent abutment and crown done now, but you should do something.  Unfortunately I have seen people who have waited too long and it has made it very difficult overcome the movement of the adjacent teeth.  Good luck

The dental implant will hold the space for several months normally.  After about 6 months the adjacent teeth may start to "tip" into the space, but not always.  Normally the implant should be restored between 2-4 months after insertion depending on several factors