Gingivitis possibly

My female cat, Sansa, is young, maybe around 3 years old. We found her on the street so I have no health or genetic background on her but she has always been fussy and tormented by being groomed (brushing, nails, teeth etc). She was laying next to me this morning (sort of unusual unless she wants something) and rolled over and yawned, I got a good look in her mouth. All of her teeth are yellow and I focused on that rather than her gum color but her teeth are definitely in need of a good scraping. So that's not an issue, we will schedule her for this week.. 

I always have pre-vet anxiety ($$)  so I'm wondering what approximate costs are associated with a teeth scraping and follow up gingivitis care? I'm really just looking to read about your experiences to prepare me mentally for the visit. I understand I will have to kick up the grooming at home, I started a thread about tooth brushing a week ago but the short version is: Sansa HATES being controlled or scruffed or burrito'ed or having anything uncomfortable done to her and she bites, kicks, yowls and does this death roll that makes it nearly impossible for my partner and I to hold her. It took us and my sister to even shave some knots off her after we decided to keep her. The toothpaste we have is Sentry Petrodex (without the bristle brush [it was marked down]) and she doesn't trust me with it and only sometimes licks it off the floor.. 

Thanks in advance. 

As far s cost goes, EVERY dentist is different.  You've just got to call around and ask.  And when i say different, I mean VASTLY different.  But make sure you are talking apples to apples when getting quotes.  Some only do a simply brushing.  You need a complete dental scraping, etc. from the sounds of it.  Plus pre-bloodwork before she is anesthesized. 

Some people sware by Plaque off, which you add to their food.  See if the dentist can make some recommendations too, BUT, contrary to what many people will tell you, ordinary kibble does NOT clean their teeth.

Thanks for the reply! My partner suggested we call a few different places and get a general quote; that would put my mind at ease. How long does a scraping take and can we stay for the procedure? 

I feed dry in the morning and wet food at night, I know dry doesn't clean teeth, I feed that for economical reasons really. 

I don't know how long it takes..probably a couple hours since they should do bloodwork first, then need to anesthesize, etc.  I don't think you can be there for the procedure, but I'm sure you could wait in the waiting room....all day if you want.  (just guessing)

Most Vets will tell you to feed dry because it's better for their teeth , that's why I made that comment.

Oh I can wait around all day, I just wondered if she would be there overnight.

Haha I have heard some wacky food comments from the vets before, I am a critical thinker and take what they say with a grain of salt. I know they are sometimes paid by food companies to push dry food and sometimes they simply don't know the current research because they focus on non-food topics at conferences and the like. Not all vets of course, but I trust my own research and accept secondary opinions from the vet. If e can work out something in the middle then we good.