Sometimes a tooth is too broken down to restore. In that case, an extraction may be the only option in order to help maintain other teeth and prevent infection. Gum disease or periodontitis can destroy the supporting bone around a tooth, resulting in the tooth becoming loose and having to be removed.
Wisdom teeth that are not in ideal position or may become impacted should also be removed. Sometimes orthodontists may request teeth be removed so there is enough space to move teeth into the correct positions.