In this episode of The Roots Podcast presented by Elite Anesthesia, we sit down with Dr. Sean Keller of Smiles by Design to unpack what it really takes to perform complex implant dentistry at the highest level.
Dr. Keller shares his personal journey from early oral sedation to full anesthesia support and explains how having a dedicated anesthesia team changed everything about his outcomes, workflow, patient safety, and long term success. From improving case precision and reducing implant failures to protecting patient trust and referrals, Dr. Keller gives a candid breakdown of how the right anesthesia partner elevates both care and confidence.
We also explore Dr. Keller’s background growing up in Seattle, his training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, his passion for neuromuscular dentistry, and his work with advanced implant techniques including zirconia implants and complex full arch reconstruction.
This conversation dives deep into real world dentistry, business decisions, patient psychology, risk management, and why doing things the right way matters far more than trying to do things the cheapest way.
Key topics covered
• Why oral sedation falls short for long implant surgeries
• How full anesthesia improves safety, speed, and surgical precision
• The economic impact of implant failures on patient trust and referrals
• Dr. Keller’s pathway into comprehensive and neuromuscular dentistry
• Zygomatic, pterygoid, and advanced implant placement challenges
• Why elite teamwork leads to better patient experiences
• Building a practice focused on long term outcomes
If you’re a dentist considering expanding into surgical dentistry or navigating your anesthesia options, this episode delivers honest insight from someone who has seen both sides.
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What is The Roots Presented By Elite Anesthesia ?
Every thriving practice has a foundation—this is where we dig into it. The Roots is a podcast by Elite Anesthesia that explores the stories, struggles, and strategies behind today’s most forward-thinking dental professionals. From startup journeys to surgical days, we uncover what really drives practice growth, patient trust, and clinical excellence. Whether you’re a dentist, team leader, or just love a good underdog story—this is where it all begins.