There are statements about general anesthesia in dogs. If a vet is accredited and following proper protocols the risk of death is almost nil in a healthy pet. Of course it is also very important that all lab studies be done prior to the dental. My vet has a release you must sign if you refuse blood work saying you understand the risks.
Here are a couple of links on the topic:
https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about...rocedures.aspx
This link is posted above...reposting it along with a quote from the site regarding anesthesia. The one major thing that you should ALWAYS ask is who is monitoring your pet during the procedure. It should be a person who is there to ONLY monitor how the pet is doing...vital signs and all. That is one very important thing...and sadly some vets short cut on this to save money.
Pet Dental Cleaning Questions for Your Veterinarian "Questions about Anesthesia:
Proper equipment and monitoring ensures your pet's safety during the anesthetic procedure.
Proper equipment and monitoring ensures your pet’s safety during the anesthetic procedure.
Do you perform laboratory work for my pet prior to anesthesia?
Laboratory work will be recommended by your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s internal organ function prior to anesthesia.
Who performs and monitors the anesthesia process?
You should confirm that your pet is monitored under anesthesia by a trained veterinary technician who monitors blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, electrocardiogram, respiratory rate and body temperature. Intravenous fluids should be administered throughout the procedure to help maintain your pet’s blood pressure and provide intravenous access for additional drugs if they are needed. Your pet should be kept warm with warming blankets during the procedure. Your veterinarian should be happy to discuss every step of the process with you.
What is your full anesthesia protocol?
You should confirm your pet’s blood pressure and blood oxygen are constantly monitored by a trained veterinary technician, that IV fluids are administered throughout the procedure and pets are kept warm with warming blankets during the procedure. Your veterinarian should be happy to discuss every step of the process with you.
Ask for the practice’s anesthetic safety record.
AAHA certified veterinary practices are required to keep anesthesia safety records. You can ask about this record and a practice should be more than happy to share this information with you."