Male cat needs dental cleaning and extraction

Hi, I recently found out my oldest cat (5 years) needs a dental cleaning and some extractions. I, personally, have no knowledge of cat’s dental health. Because of that, I just really need more information surrounding the importance of cat dental health (i.e. extractions and cleaning). I love my cats more than life itself, but I don’t exactly have the funds to drop on “cosmetic” issues if that’s all this is. Any information on this would be beyond appreciated, thank you!