filing molars

Question
I have a 5 year old male Rex. He has been having issues of sneezing and not eating well. I took him to the vet a month ago and he said his right molar was inflamed and gave me an antibiotic.  He said that if the molar does not improve that filing would be need but he warned that any anesthesia with rabbits is dangerous.  His eating improved 100% within a week and the sneezing subsided. I just took him back for his recheck (he has started sneezing again) and we saw a different vet.  He said that his molars were still bad (some pieces actually broke off when he put the scope in his mouth) and he needed filing. He said that it was a pretty routine procedure.
My rabbit won't eat hay anymore and he is pretty picky with pellets. He has been mostly eating fresh greens. I bought alfalfa yesterday and he is actually eating it.  I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that the filing is the best option  since one doctor said it was dangerous and the other said it was routine. Thanks!

Answer
Dear Lori,

I'd trust the one who said it was routine...within reason.  No surgical procedure involving anesthesia is 100% risk-free, but if he's not eating and his mouth is hurting, then a molar filing is probably going to help.  I would recommend having bloodwork done and a full physical to check his lungs and other systems before you allow him to go under.  If there's any sign of infection, you  should probably ask the vet about putting him on a course of antibiotics before any type of procedure.

Done well, a molar filing can really improve his quality of life.

I hope this helps.

Dana