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Yes, you can replace just one panel if your door is sectional and the damaged panel is available. Most modern residential garage doors have four to six horizontal panels that can be individually replaced. However, finding an exact match becomes challenging for older doors or discontinued styles. For doors over 15 to 20 years old or with multiple damaged panels, a complete door replacement might be more practical and visually consistent.

Minor dents or cosmetic damage can often be repaired without replacing the entire panel, potentially saving you money. However, if the damage affects the door's operation, security, or structural integrity, replacement is often a better investment. 

For extensive damage to multiple panels or older doors where matching is difficult, full door replacement might be more economical in the long run than multiple individual panel replacements.

Your garage door panel might be repairable if the damage is superficial and doesn't affect functionality. Small dents in aluminum panels, minor scratches, or cosmetic issues often don't require full replacement. However, replacement is often necessary if the panel is warped, has large holes, shows extensive rust, or affects how the door operates. A professional garage door technician can evaluate the damage and recommend whether repair or replacement offers the best value and durability.