The Dental Specialists 
Education:
- B.A. Biology (1995), University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (1999), University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency (2000), Naval Dental Center, Great Lakes, Illinois
- Certificate in Endodontics (2006), University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, Iowa City, Iowa
Special Professional Interests
I became interested in dentistry while studying biology in college and participated in an externship program with the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. During my time as a general dentist in the Navy, I was fortunate to work with some very talented endodontists who inspired me to pursue specializing in endodontics. Helping patients in pain by diagnosing the source of their tooth related pain and performing endodontic treatment to quickly alleviate that pain are the reasons I chose to become an endodontist.
Professional Activities
- Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
- American Association of Endodontics
- American Dental Association
- Minnesota Dental Association
Verified Patient Reviews
4.8 out of 5
(206 Reviews)
(116 Comments)
Overall patient ratings are based on the average score given by The Dental Specialists patients who voluntarily complete a satisfaction survey from Press Ganey, a nationally recognized firm dedicated to improving patient experience. Click to learn more about our patient ratings.
5 out of 5
December 9, 2024
Dr Royal & all the other staff were great - really appreciated the follow up call from the office the day following the procedure - very thoughtful - thanks you!
5 out of 5
December 6, 2024
Dr. Royal is really knowledge and skillful with treatment options for the patient.
5 out of 5
November 13, 2024
I had a root canal, which is not something someone WANTS to have. However, things went as smoothly as I could have wanted during the process and, besides a little stiffness in my jaw, I haven't felt any discomfort after the procedure.
5 out of 5
October 30, 2024
I will most definitely recommend Dr. Royal (and The Dental Specialists) to anyone needing specialty care (root canals). The office Itself was easy to get to, free parking, the staff was all nice, and Dr. Royal and his assistant were great. I was impressed all the way around. No, I don't want another root canal, but If you have to have one, this Is the place to go!!!
5 out of 5
October 30, 2024
The cost was transparent and up-front, and I was given numerous estimates ahead of time (no "surprises). Dr. Royal's assistant was really thorough in explaining the process and answered all my questions.
3 out of 5
October 29, 2024
Felt like dentist was in a rush. Was nice enough but hurried.
5 out of 5
October 3, 2024
I went in for a root canal. In discussing my situation with the Doctor we decided that it was better to pull the tooth. He explained very thoroughly the reason why he came to that conclusion. He was very easy to talk to and he answered all my questions.
4.6 out of 5
October 1, 2024
I want to thank the dental assistant who was exceptionally kind and comforting to me. I was so stressed and she was attuned to my state of being, my struggle, and offered support in a quiet and gentle way. I really do appreciate her.
5 out of 5
September 26, 2024
Dr. Royal was entirely professional, expeditious and informative. Very considerate of my comfort and very skilled as a surgeon. Having had several root canals done in my life, I consider myself experienced, I would highly recommend Dr. Royal .
5 out of 5
September 26, 2024
My carrier allows only one pan CT scan in my lifetime, while it was listed as a part of the treatment, my request to Dr. Royal not to use this scan was accepted without discussion. He was very very accomodating to my needs.
4.8 out of 5
August 13, 2024
I was referred for a root canal, and initially showed hesitation, especially since it was my first root canal. I even suggested that "maybe I did not need to be there", which fooled no one. The dentist moved quickly to confirm the need for the procedure and begin, which was a bit of a whirlwind start, but in hindsight was the right move. The procedure was needed and further hesitation would not have helped.
4.8 out of 5
August 13, 2024
The dental assistant, Tracy, was very supportive and attentive to my needs throughout the appointment. The dentist and dental assistant worked together quickly, efficiently, and calmly throughout the procedure, which was comforting.
2 out of 5
August 13, 2024
Dr royal was kind and very good but had to fit me in to a full Saturday schedule and likely didn't have time to discuss options after a tooth extraction.
5 out of 5
August 12, 2024
My root canal was a great experience from the dental assistant's thorough explanation of the procedure through Dr. Royal's examination and procedure.
3.6 out of 5
July 23, 2024
Very nice person, calm demeanor. I would have liked more explanation of what he was doing during the process of my root canal. I felt like I wasn't engaged in the process and just a bystander. Not exactly able to ask for explanations or feel comfortable trying to learn about what they are doing when I have a rubber dam in my mouth.
5 out of 5
July 15, 2024
Dr Royal and his assistant were a fantastic team. They were gentle, thorough, and very responsive.
5 out of 5
May 28, 2024
Dr. Royal and his assistant were very professional, informative, and reassuring before, during, and after my procedure. I will definitely recommend Dr. Royal to others needing similar care.
3 out of 5
May 18, 2024
I didn't ask and didn't get much information about proposed treatment
5 out of 5
May 16, 2024
Good
5 out of 5
May 16, 2024
Good
5 out of 5
May 11, 2024
Wonderful experience. All staff was wonderful. Compared to previous root canals done at other dental locations, this was by far my best experience. Highly recommend!
5 out of 5
May 11, 2024
Would definitely return (if needed) and recommend to family and friends.
5 out of 5
May 2, 2024
I actually described my root canal as pleasant. This team of Assistant and Endodontist was amazing. Communication and cooperation made me feel very comfortable.
5 out of 5
April 25, 2024
Would of liked updates as treatment progressed. Long time to lying in chair without commination.
5 out of 5
April 24, 2024
I was very happy to get an earlier appointment due to a cancellation. The dental team was kind and very professional and efficient.
5 out of 5
March 21, 2024
I felt very comfortable with him as a new dentist. He was very gentle for a difficult procedure. I am two days after with very little pain while taking Tylenol. Great job
5 out of 5
March 9, 2024
A good experience. I was there for a root canal which had to be done on the recommendation of my primary care dentist.
5 out of 5
February 22, 2024
Good
2.2 out of 5
February 3, 2024
People skills were non-existent
5 out of 5
January 29, 2024
Appreciated honesty and information given.
5 out of 5
January 29, 2024
My only concern was gag reflex and the staff & dentist were very reassuring. NO issues.
4.2 out of 5
January 25, 2024
Dental assistant did a wonderful job at calming my nerves and explaining the whole procedure without prompt.
4.8 out of 5
December 21, 2023
I was extremely impressed with the expertise of Dr. Royal! It turned out to be a complicated procedure, so I would have liked updates during the procedure re: how things were going. Dr. Royal gave a very clear explanation at the end.
4 out of 5
December 14, 2023
I was never greeted with a hello.....I feel like the only thing anyone cared about was how I was going to pay, my insurance.....the dental assistant Angie saved me from walking out.....the worst initial experience I have ever had at a DRs office
3.6 out of 5
December 11, 2023
I received professional and (evidently) successful care from Dr. Royal. I personally would have appreciated more of explanation from Dr. Royal about what he was seeing/observing (positive or negative) as he proceeded through the procedure. My lip got pinched under his knuckle (lip was under novocaine at the time - realized the lip's soreness several hours after the procedure. Not the end of the world, but would like Dr. To be careful for future patients.
5 out of 5
December 6, 2023
Dr Royal and his assistant were so nice. His assistant made sure I was comfortable and explained things very well to me
5 out of 5
November 14, 2023
Good communication skills, confident hands
5 out of 5
November 14, 2023
Professional approach
5 out of 5
November 12, 2023
Very pleased with treatment. Tooth pain disappeared within a day of treatment.
5 out of 5
September 25, 2023
Very kind and caring.
5 out of 5
September 18, 2023
Went as well as it could have. Very professional friendly and competent staff!
5 out of 5
September 4, 2023
Fantastic team, I'm really feeling so much better!
5 out of 5
August 21, 2023
Dentist or assistant could have shared more about each step as I experienced it. Good to know the process.
5 out of 5
August 13, 2023
Explanations were all very clear by the dentist and hygienist.
5 out of 5
August 10, 2023
The entire experience was very professional and I felt very comfortable with your Staff.
3 out of 5
August 8, 2023
Felt he only spoke minimally about the basic procedure to be done, root canal. Never indicated that there was a strong chance it would not be able to be done. I may have changed my mind and opted for extraction then instead of enduring 1 1/2 hours of him trying and then simply saying he could not complete it. Options were not discussed first. Only after he failed. He gets credit for definitely trying but I like to have all the facts beforehand. Subsequently, I was left with a substantial bill and still have to undergo and partially pay for an extraction. He appears to be a good dentist, he just doesn't communicate very well.
4.6 out of 5
August 3, 2023
Really appreciated the calm manner of the dentist, and the assistant was great! Kind, calm, thorough and very personable.
5 out of 5
July 24, 2023
Dr. Royal and his assistant were amazing! This was my first root canal and I didn't know what to expect. My anxiety was put to rest very quickly! The assistant even offered me a blanket which was so nice! The whole procedure was pleasant and I felt zero pain during and after.
5 out of 5
July 3, 2023
Very good is not near high enough of a rating. He was excellent in every way
5 out of 5
June 28, 2023
I was very nervous about the procedure, they could tell, the team made it very relaxing and much easier to go through then I expected. Great work!!!
5 out of 5
June 28, 2023
Couldn't have asked for anything else!!!
5 out of 5
June 26, 2023
I will pass on a referral of satisfaction.
5 out of 5
June 1, 2023
Well, no one like going to the dentist. But I was put at ease. With my happy gas
5 out of 5
May 30, 2023
Great job. Professional and courtious
4.6 out of 5
May 23, 2023
The dentist and dental assistant that I saw were very kind and patient with me.
5 out of 5
May 11, 2023
I could not have been happier with the entire procedure - It was a very positive experience. Thank You
3.8 out of 5
April 12, 2023
Dr. Royal was extremely thorough and detail-oriented during my root canal visit. The hygienist working with him kept me informed and at ease.
5 out of 5
April 10, 2023
Dr. Royal was kind and thorough. I really appreciated his explanations of the procedures and expectations.
5 out of 5
March 23, 2023
Dr Royal was very kind and caring. He listened to my fears and was very gentle
5 out of 5
March 22, 2023
I would highly recommend Dr Royal.
5 out of 5
March 22, 2023
I felt very comfortable With Dr. Royal and his assistant.
5 out of 5
March 22, 2023
Everythiing went smoothly
3.2 out of 5
March 17, 2023
I didn't feel that options were explained or the reason why a lack of options were available was explained.
4.2 out of 5
February 27, 2023
The assistant was absolutely super, with answering questions, keeping me calm when the Dr gave me the Novocain and after sealing up the tooth for work to be done when I have to come back to get the tooth finished.
5 out of 5
January 24, 2023
Dr Royal and the assistant were awesome!
4.8 out of 5
January 1, 2023
was easy to get in and be serviced
5 out of 5
December 26, 2022
Very good follow up on issue that arose during holiday after hours. Thank you
5 out of 5
December 10, 2022
Everyone at the office was very nice and considering the pain I had been in, my experience was very good.
5 out of 5
November 22, 2022
It was like a beautiful ballet dance that I had a front row seat to, complete magic
5 out of 5
November 21, 2022
Dr. Loyal and his asst. Were a fabulous team! I loved the communication with me during the entire process
5 out of 5
November 21, 2022
I was AFRAID. Dental asst. Offered me a blanket. Kind words, very comforting..... I did not feel a thing the whole time!!! :)
4.8 out of 5
November 14, 2022
By far the easiest root canal I've ever had.
4 out of 5
November 9, 2022
Root canal experience was nearly pain-free. My dental assistant was exceptional in her knowledge and "bedside manner". Still experiencing some post-procedure sensitivity in the tooth (after 5 days), but office has provided followup consultation.
4.2 out of 5
November 2, 2022
Through and explained procedure. It is a bit overwhelming news so it helps to have handouts. The dental assistant, Tracy was excellent and very upbeat.
4.2 out of 5
November 2, 2022
Upfront on costs which helps - understood fear and helped calm nerves
5 out of 5
October 13, 2022
Very helpful and kind
5 out of 5
October 13, 2022
Good experience
4.2 out of 5
September 3, 2022
I was not given cost information on the recommendation.
5 out of 5
August 9, 2022
The Dental Assistant was to me amazing! Being a nurse, I know something about bedside manner and to me, she exemplified caring, kindness and competence. Dr. Royal was gentle and highly competent. I had a very good experience. I am grateful. Thank you
5 out of 5
July 26, 2022
Dr. Royal was very knowledgeable and very careful to explain things so I could understand the situation. He was great, as was his dental assistant.
5 out of 5
July 6, 2022
Both the assistant and dentist were pleasant, listened to my concerns, checked my concerns, explained procedure and aftercare thoroughly, addressed my pain management during and after appointment that I very much appreciated.
5 out of 5
July 6, 2022
Pleasant conversations among all, had to interrupt procedure to use restroom and didn't have to wait long for dentist to come back to restart and finish the procedure. I thought he was very thorough in treating my tooth and felt confident he did a good job. I was in a lot of pain two days after, with bruising and swelling, and was leaving on a holiday trip worried I would be in pain throughout. I called and left a msg in the early morning hrs, requesting a refill on pain meds and my call was returned immediately when office opened saying my prescription was ready. I was unbelievably grateful for the extra relief until I felt better, which was about five days later. Thank you!
5 out of 5
June 30, 2022
Dr. Royal was wonderful. Professional AND calming. That is a rare mix!
5 out of 5
June 9, 2022
Dr. Royal was very professional and calming. He turned on some music near me in the chair so I had a nice distraction while getting the root canal. Him and (his assistant) worked really well together and always checked to see how I was doing. The dental assistant is amazing at her job. She was always a step ahead of Dr. Royal and what instrument he needed. I was very please with both Dr. Royal and his team
5 out of 5
May 9, 2022
Excerllent service and very professional. Both Dr. Royal and the assistant
5 out of 5
May 9, 2022
All good.
5 out of 5
May 4, 2022
Dr. Royal is by far the best dentist I've seen at this location. In fact, I had lost confidence in the care provided by this office but I would continue to see him. He has a comfortable chair-side manner. His communication is clear and responsive. He demonstrates concern for his patients. I do want to recognize his assistant, who was very kind, professional, and knowledgeable. I really appreciated her presence during my treatment.
5 out of 5
April 27, 2022
Dentist seemed very competent.
4 out of 5
March 28, 2022
Dr. Royal described four options for future treatment. It would have been nice to have had a written copy so I could remember them and their relative merits.
5 out of 5
February 24, 2022
Keep up the excellent care.
5 out of 5
February 24, 2022
Very friendly.
3.2 out of 5
February 21, 2022
Dentist didn't introduce themselves. Walked in room and said "nice to meet you". When done with consultation, dentist said again "nice to meet you". Never mentioned their name. Poor bedside manner. Not sure if I want to return for treatment.
5 out of 5
February 21, 2022
A+ YOU are awesome!
5 out of 5
February 17, 2022
Dentist very careful pulling tooth out. After all was done pain level at home was a #1. So little discomfort. Excellent Dentist & staff
5 out of 5
January 8, 2022
Outstanding
5 out of 5
January 8, 2022
Excellent service from start to finish.
5 out of 5
January 6, 2022
Over all great service
5 out of 5
January 4, 2022
Both the dentist and his assistant were very kind and explained what they were going to do before they started. The assistant answered all my questions after the procedure and made sure I knew what to do post-care from my appointment. I would definitely recommend Dr. Royal to my family and friends.
5 out of 5
January 4, 2022
I needed to get in for a root canal and they were able to get me in the following week. The scheduling people I talked to each time I called were very helpful and nice.
4.4 out of 5
December 30, 2021
Overall they were awesome
4.4 out of 5
December 30, 2021
Good job overall
4.4 out of 5
December 30, 2021
They were able to give me an appointment on short notice--
1 out of 5
December 18, 2021
Spent less than one minute with me after I drove 2.5 hours
5 out of 5
December 16, 2021
Everything went very professionally
5 out of 5
December 16, 2021
I wasn't nervous, verypleased
5 out of 5
December 16, 2021
Everything went well
5 out of 5
December 12, 2021
Follow-up after my root canal procedure was an appreciated professional gesture.
5 out of 5
December 12, 2021
Dr. Royal and his DA were exceptional.
5 out of 5
December 12, 2021
Overall an excellent experience; very satisfied with the expedience of care and resolution of emergency dental need.
5 out of 5
December 12, 2021
Was able to accommodate emergency need for care quickly.
5 out of 5
December 11, 2021
Smooth and professional
4 out of 5
November 22, 2021
Not much info from DR could be better learned more from assistant than DR no discussion of risk or benefits but DR did good work
5 out of 5
November 22, 2021
There was not really an option for my situation, but Dr. Royal explained things well and I left understanding next steps.
5 out of 5
November 5, 2021
Dr. Royal took the time to explain to me everything he did during the procedure.
5 out of 5
November 5, 2021
Great job to the entire team! I even received a call today to check up on me! Hugs to everyone!
5 out of 5
October 5, 2021
Excellent experience. The staff was wonderful. Dental team very thorough and on point with what to expect throughout the procedure and post.
5 out of 5
September 15, 2021
Dr. Royal did a great job. Thank you!
1.8 out of 5
September 13, 2021
Technical expertise = 10. Communicating even the need for being there = 0.
3.6 out of 5
September 6, 2021
Still not clear on options, treatment, and plan.
5 out of 5
August 2, 2021
Everything was up front
5 out of 5
July 3, 2021
Listened to my concerns and questions patiently and answered them
5 out of 5
July 3, 2021
Overall good experience
3.6 out of 5
July 3, 2021
Dentist did not volunteer information, but did answer questions. I would have liked him to tell me what he was doing during the procedure, provide progress updates every few minutes.
5 out of 5
May 20, 2021
I am very happy with the treatment received from Dr. Royal. Pain control was very good and I had minimal discomfort from the procedure.
4 out of 5
May 18, 2021
I would have appreciated having the doctor tell me what he was doing as we went along and how we were doing on time, etc.
3.3 out of 5
April 27, 2021
Dr. Had a very calming voice/approach. However, the procedure lasted 90 minutes. He did not give me a break/jaw rest the entire time. He did not give me any updates as he was working as to how it was going or how long was left, or what was next etc.
3.7 out of 5
April 7, 2021
I struggle with anxiety. Dr Royal was not very personable. The Nitrous did not calm my anxiety. I felt totally alert the entire time and I remember everything clearly. I shared that I was struggling, but there was no response to to my concern. I did NOT feel any pain. I believe Dr Royal did an excellent job, technically. It is just that I was miserable the entire time of the drilling.
5 out of 5
February 4, 2021
again very impressed gave options and was honest about choices
4.3 out of 5
February 3, 2021
The only reason I did not answer very good to all questions is because I made the appointment for the root canal and Dr. Royal got to work doing it. We didn't communicate a lot, for obvious reasons. But also, I told him not to give me too many details and to go ahead and do what he needed to do. He had a good chair-side manner - kind and confident - he made me feel confident in the procedure.
5 out of 5
January 28, 2021
I would have like the doctor to be more communicative on the procedure being done, how much longer it would last, etc.
3.7 out of 5
December 2, 2020
Dr Royal was adequately nice.
4 out of 5
November 26, 2020
Doctor was very professional and worked efficiently with his assistant. I wish he had explained a bit more what he was doing during the procedure.
5 out of 5
November 16, 2020
Dr. Royal and the assistant, were both very caring and thorough. A great team to be confident in.
5 out of 5
October 21, 2020
all good
3.7 out of 5
October 13, 2020
started as root canal and ended up with cracked so had to be pulled by Dr. Rivers. I thought he was done and then he said it needed to be pulled. he did say a surgeon might be available.
2 out of 5
September 21, 2020
Doctor only had one option for treatment-pull tooth. Never gave me the option of other treatments. I felt like he didn't want to deal with me, maybe because of my age? Or other reasons?
5 out of 5
August 24, 2020
I have already told my family and friends....if you need an endodontist...go see the "royal team" in Roseville.
5 out of 5
July 27, 2020
Dr Royal was outstanding. I have major dental anxiety as Novocaine has not been effective for me recently. I did not feel a thing for my root canal. He was amazing.
3.3 out of 5
February 24, 2020
I feel like Dr Royal could've been a bit more personable.
5 out of 5
December 21, 2019
Dr Royal is fantastic.
4.3 out of 5
December 11, 2019
Dr Royal is a man of few words
5 out of 5
November 18, 2019
Dr. Royal was great!!
5 out of 5
October 10, 2019
I was very impressed with the thoroughness of the exam and xray imaging
4.7 out of 5
October 3, 2019
I had alot of questions that I thought would have been addressed without me asking. Much was fresh in my mind since I had just visited my referring dentist a few days earlier. All in all I left with a good comfort level of what to expect during and after a root canal.
5 out of 5
September 10, 2019
I was put at ease by both the doctor's assistant and the doctor.
5 out of 5
September 9, 2019
Procedure was virtually painless.
4 out of 5
August 12, 2019
Everything was fine, but it would have been nice to understand what was happening as we went along. I had no idea a molar had 3 canals. No wonder there was so much drilling, etc.
5 out of 5
May 7, 2019
Dr. Royal was amazing and caring! He always kept me in the loop of what he was doing and was very kind and attentive.
5 out of 5
February 25, 2019
Dr.Royal and his assistant were wonderful!!! I was quite nervous about having a root canal - and they were so careful to make sure I was alright and had no discomfort!!!
4 out of 5
February 20, 2019
referred back to my dentist for help in determining what plan of action would be best because he knows status of other teeth that would be affected.
5 out of 5
February 14, 2019
Dr. Royal is very professional and thorough.
4.5 out of 5
February 4, 2019
Loved both Dr. Royal and his Assistant/nurse. Great!
5 out of 5
January 17, 2019
all options well explained
5 out of 5
January 15, 2019
Given a pamphlet on follow up care and also prescription for an antibiotic if needed. Doctor explained why one root canal wasn't totally completed and to check back in 6 months when further oral surgery might be needed. Told what symptoms to look for. Very thorough.
5 out of 5
January 9, 2019
Outstanding