Why can damage to the pulp of a tooth cause pain?

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A labeled cross section illustration of an adult human molar shows the tooth's crown and root, with layers including enamel, dentin, and pulp, as well as gum, cementum, blood vessels, periodontal ligament, lateral canals, and nerve. — tooth Cross section of an adult human molar.

Damage to the pulp of a tooth causes pain because this soft tissue, located at the center of the tooth, contains the nerve supply. In addition to nerves, the pulp houses blood and lymphatic vessels as well as connective tissue. When this sensitive internal structure is injured or diseased, the nerves within it transmit pain signals, which is why endodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating these specific tissues.1