My boxer boy is in the vet today getting dental cleaning and extractions too.
He is also 9 years old. Starting acting funny, drooling and whimpering - we took him to the vet and they said he looked great for his age but highly recommended we get his teeth cleaned and two extractions. They figured he was in pain (which dogs tend to handle very well and hide it) so he went in today.
Poor baby - sure hope he does as well as your dog has come thru it.