Having a tooth removed in adulthood is sometimes necessary due to tooth decay, infection, periodontal disease, broken or fractured teeth or trauma which leaves a tooth unable to be restored.  Teeth may also be removed in order to make space for tooth alignment during orthodontic procedures, such as for clear or metal braces. 

Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift or erupt too far, affecting appearance, your bite, and your ability to chew.  It may make tooth replacements in the future more expensive, difficult, or impossible.  For those reasons, your doctor may advise replacing the missing tooth or teeth with a implant, a fixed bridge, or a denture.