I was also worried when i took Ash for his dental and Ellie-Mae, even though Ash was 14 and had CRF, he came through it very well,better than Ellie, but then that is another story, it is just the same for humans Anesthetic is a risk for them too, my friend had her kitty of nine years dental done and she reacted to it, and took a long time to come around,however if your cat is elderly or with health issues, they will do blood tests and also use anesthetic that is better for them and hydrate them if necessary, they are very good and take all the precautions necessary, even though i was fearful of the dental procedure too, i am glad i opted to have it done, not having it done can be worse IMO.,with long term health issues arising because of it and not to mention pain for kitty.