If the engine is one timing tooth off and started will it destroy the motor

How does it run? Running an improperly timed engine for very long will cause damages, and should be corrected as soon as possible.

Destroy? Not immediately. How do you know it is 1 tooth off? With a computer run engine, the crank position sensor will make some adjustments. In a OHC engine like yours, timing can be tricky. Did you just replace the belt?

That's probably impossible to calculate. Off which tooth and in what direction? I mean, come on, man!
Did you build one a tooth off and attempt to run it?

The "new" zero tolerance motors are built to exacting standards and anything being "off" can destroy them in a heartbeat.

4.7L engine zero clearance? - JeepForum.com (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/4-7l-engine-zero-clearance-1316676/)