Root Canal Treatment
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment removes the diseased inner pulp tissue of a tooth in order to stop painful inflammation and prevent a dental abscess. Without endodontic treatment, diseased teeth would need to be extracted. Root canal treatment stop the disease process and prevents infection so that the tooth can continue to provide function throughout life.
Don’t Suffer From Tooth Pain Any Longer!
Pain in your tooth or gums may be a symptom of infected pulp. Great River Endodontics can perform a Root Canal to treat the infected pulp, relieve pain, and save your natural teeth!


Most root canal treatments are done with local anesthetics just as would be provided at your dentist’s office for a filling or crown. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth that acts as a surgical barrier to prevent saliva from contaminating the root canal with bacteria and to prevent disinfecting solutions from contact with the mouth. A small opening is made on the chewing surface of the tooth or crown to gain access to the root canal spaces. Small instruments are navigated to the tips of the roots and then used to enlarge, disinfect, and clean the roots. Once the roots are clean inside, they are filled with a rubber material that will stay permanently inside the roots to prevent recontamination.
Once the root canal is treated, the tooth needs to be restored by your general dentist. Sometimes this restoration is filling, and sometimes it is a crown (porcelain cap).
What happens after treatment?
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
How much will a root canal cost?
The cost associated with root canals can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.



Great River Endodontics
Patient Review By Bernice M
The procedure was thoroughly explained to me. A return appointment was required to finish the work making my time and comfort respected.
- Bernice M
Patient Review By Amber D
Ultimately, I got squeezed in as an urgent patient. The staff are amazing, the doctor I met with was very kind, and went over my options, presenting me with best/worst case scenario. I did not end up having a procedure done that day, even though they were ready and willing. My overall visit and staff interaction was very positive, and very helpful.
- Amber D
Patient Review By Steven B
The root canal was a longer procedure than just a filling. The Doc and his assistant were great. Very courteous, informative and direct. I like that in a clinic.
- Steven B
Patient Review By Midge R
Very pleased by the level of care and the friendly staff! Thorough explanation of procedure and sincere concern with after care.
- Midge R
Patient Review By Mary C
The entire staff was Outstanding! Rebecca called me ahead of time and provided great directions to the Clinic. Robin was friendly up front also. Amy was Outstanding during the procedure. Dr. Brian was Exceptional!
- Mary C
Patient Review By Jodi S
Great service
- Jodi S
Patient Review By Megan H
Typically I don’t leave reviews, but I was blown away at how great of an experience I had. I was supposed to have a Root Canal done today, but I got a call from the office on Wednesday asking if I could come down for a consultation to have the DR look over my X-Rays to confirm a RC was actually needed on my tooth. The assistant went to have the DR look over my X-rays and she came back into the room and asked me if I were to need a RC, would I have time yet today to get it done, I said absolutely, I’m already here! Dr Karn came in the room, and introduced himself and said ‘let’s get this started, be done in about an hour’ an hour later and he had the RC treatment completed. He made sure I was completely numb, and comfortable and kept asking me throughout the procedure if I was doing okay. I cannot say enough good things about the experience I had with him and his assistant. 10/10 HIGHLY recommend Dr.Karn. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to complete a RC for me. I am so appreciative of it, and grateful that it all worked out so smoothly like it did. Again, THANK YOU DR.KARN & Assistant!!
- Megan H
Patient Review By Joe Z
I was very impressed with Great River Endodontics and the work performed. I had no pain during the procedure and no pain in the days after the procedure. I had a question for the doctor the day after the procedure that I asked the staff to check on. They got back with me very quickly with an answer.
- Joe Z
Patient Review By Alice W
I felt very comfortable with everyone and everything. Dr. Saylor was very thorough in explaining the procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Saylor and Great River Endodontics (Monticello office).
- Alice W
Patient Review By Jodi S
It was the best root canal I ever had. No pain at all. I highly recommend them!
- Jodi S
Patient Review By William S
One of the best experiences I have had for dental work.
- William S
Patient Review By Susan S
No pain treatment of the root canal
- Susan S
Patient Review By Bonney B
The best experience a root canal could be! Everything about Great River gave me confidence that they would do a top notch professional job, and they did. Attractive office, friendly staff, and Dr Papworth explained everything he was doing as he performed the procedure. My comfort was a priority. I’d definitely recommend Great River to anyone who needs endodontic care!
- Bonney B
Patient Review By Alex V
Easy to schedule and able to get me in quickly. All staff was friendly and helpful. Dr. Lund answered all questions and made me feel comfortable with the procedure.
- Alex V
Patient Review By Abby W
There should be some type of emergency appts put aside for patients. It took over 2.5 weeks to get in for an emergency root canal.
- Abby W
Patient Review By Chris K
I was having a severe tooth pain that required a root canal and some decay removal under an existing crown. The scheduler was empathetic to what I was going through and got me in the day after I had seen my Dentist. Doctor Palmworth (sorry if I butchered the name) and his assistant were great at diagnosing what tooth was giving me the problem-which was hard because the pain was radiating through three adjoining teeth. During the entire procedure they were constantly asking if I was doing okay and performed the root canal and decay removal in very professional manner explaining every step that they did. I would highly recommend Great River Endodontics.
- Chris K
Patient Review By chris b
everything was 5 star other than my comment above, definitely will come back if needed!
- chris b
Patient Review By Tehar R
Such a great experience. It was honestly painless, and the staff was so professional. This was the best dental experience I have had in many years.
- Tehar R
Patient Review By Gene D
Tooth and jaw pain gone. Yeah
- Gene D
Patient Review
They made time for me in a full schedule to be evaluated and were honest about the situation with my tooth.
- Anonymous