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My dog needs dental extractions. Is anesthesia risky for older dogs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 9 months old

Hello. Yesterday I took my chihuahua to the vet , and the vet told me, Pin has an infection in the gum caused by tooth and also has sweeling under eye. She gave us an antibiotic. Vet told us she has to remove Pin's teeth, three of them, is there any option we can do? :( I'm scared about the anesthesia.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on July 26th, 2017

Hi there! The swelling under the eye is likely due to advanced periodontal disease. This needs to be confirmed with x-rays before any teeth are removed. Unfortunately, unlike people animals are not going to hold the x-ray sensor, remain still, and allow us to properly assess above and below the gumline, and scale their teeth awake, so anesthesia is absolutely required. There is no way to properly and completely evaluate and clean an animals mouth without anesthesia. Just like with human medicine, the outcome of anesthesia cannot be guaranteed whether you are 1 year old or 100 years old, in perfect health or ill. As long as Pin's physical exam and blood work look and any health conditions are being properly managed the chances that he will do well with anesthesia are very good. Remember age is not a disease! And do not be afraid to ask questions and have your veterinarian address your concerns. If he/she cannot provide you with answers you are comfortable with then it is ok to find someone who does. Hopefully this helps and eases your concerns about anesthesia. I am happy to consult with you further to answer any additional questions or concerns you may have!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Alison Flanigan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I know anesthesia can seem scary but with a thorough physical exam, preanesthetic bloodwork and thorough monitoring most anesthetic procedures are without complications. It sounds like Pin might have a tooth root abscess or at the very least some infected gums. This can be painful. The best treatment option is to have the infected and painful teeth removed and that is best done under anesthesia for the comfort of your dog. It's good that she's on antibiotics now. I would follow up with your regular veterinarian and reconsider the dental procedure. Pin will be much more comfortable when all that infection is taken care of.

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    Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Pin, having an infected or abscesses tooth can be painful! Oral bacteria can also become systemic infections if left untreated. Sometimes antibiotics are enough to resolve simple oral infections but if your vet thinks there are multiple affected teeth (seems like maybe 3) it's likely having those teeth extracted will be better for Pin in the long run. If Pin has a normal physical exam and her pre anesthesia bloodwork is normal, the risk of anesthesia are lower than a dog with an underlying disease. I hope this helps!

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