A tooth has loss of keratinized epithelium. All of the following can occur EXCEPT one:

Correct answer: D. Immediate tooth loss

• A. Loss of keratinized tissue DOES lead to inflammation — the unprotected non-keratinized mucosa is more susceptible to mechanical trauma and bacterial invasion, triggering inflammatory response.
• B. Loss of keratinized tissue is associated with mucosal inflammation, which DOES cause bleeding on probing.
• C. Without adequate keratinized attached gingiva, progressive attachment loss and bone loss can occur, leading to tooth mobility. This IS a consequence.
• D. IMMEDIATE TOOTH LOSS is the exception — loss of keratinized tissue alone does NOT cause immediate tooth loss. It increases susceptibility to periodontal breakdown over time, but tooth loss is a late consequence (if it occurs at all), not immediate. The other options (inflammation, mobility, bleeding) occur as progressive consequences of keratinized tissue loss.