What is the difference between a root canal and pulpal debridement?

Look it up.: You need to see the basic parts of what makes up an entire tooth and all adjacent structures. Too detailed for answer here.

They go together: A pulpal debridement may be used when the tooth is initially opened up for pain control reasons in preparation for later having a root canal done in a permanent tooth. Root canal refers to the completed process of debridement and obturation (filling up) of the pulp spaces. In a baby tooth pulpal debride is done if much decay and prior to a silver crown.

Several differences.: Pulpal debridement is simply the removal of the pulp/nerve from a tooth. This is one of the first steps of a root canal and is often done to provide pain relief. A root canal involves pulpal debridement in addition to several more steps to disinfect, shape, and seal the canal space. A tooth that has had pulpal debridement must be completed with a full root canal.