how do dentists sleep at night!?
In nice houses

Actually, I think in general dentistry isn't as lucrative a business as it used to be, as it's much easier to properly care for your teeth. However, just because there is flouride in the water doesn't mean you don't have to brush.
I brush, floss, and rinse twice daily and my last two visits to the dentist have been practically pain free. This is in sharp contrast to my poor oral health growing up which resulted in excruciating digging beneath inflamed gums and hour long teeth cleanings. If only I knew then what I know now. Luckily, I only ever had two really small cavities which were caught early. No long term damage except that which was done to my psyche.
However, wisdom teeth is just bad luck. I had four of those as well, I feel/felt your pain.