What is the difference between a pulpotomy and a root canal?

Partial vs. Complete: A pulpotomy (usually, but not always done on a baby tooth) involves removal of the pulp tissue in the upper part of the tooth and treatment with medications to calm the tooth. A root canal involves removal of all pulpal tissue from the tooth , even down in the root structure ( hence "root canal") and filling with inert material to save a tooth.

Pulpotomy is a start: When a dentist does a pulpotomy, it is just the start of the procedure. It is the removal of part of the nerve. A root canal involves complete removal of the infected nerves and blood vessels and the placement of a root filling.

Pulpotomy vs RCT?: A pulpotomy refers to the removal of the nerve and pulpal tissue in the coronal (crown) part of the tooth. Pulpectomy refers to removing the nerve and pulpal tissue completely from the tooth. Root canal therapy is the procedure for completley removing the nerve and all tissues, instrumenting the canals, and then cleaning, drying and filling the canals of the tooth.

Partial root canal: A vital pulpotomy removes part of a tooth's nerve tissue, whereas root canal is a complete nerve tissue removal and root canal filling is done. You can think of a pulpectomy as a "partial" root canal.