Hello, you are right to worry somewhat about general anaesthesia, cuz it's hard on all animals, people included. But it's the only game in town and dental care is so very important. I never realized that a cat's teeth could go bad til I adopted my darling Genevieve. I adopted her at the age of five and when I took her in for her first vet check, the vet discovered lots of problems with her teeth (this is a vet I trust, by the way!). He had to remove SEVEN!! She was happy as a clam after that, even the black discharge in her eyes went away forever. She always was slow to wake up after a general, but when she did, she was her old self again. I wish you happiness with your darling cat!