If an impacted tooth cannot be saved, it has to be extracted. The process of removing a tooth from its socket in the gums is known as an extraction. Depending on the severity of the gap and wound left by the extracted tooth, the gum may need to be stitched back together. The patient is then given a piece of cotton padding to bite into, which stops the bleeding. Once the effects of the local anaesthetic have worn off, the patient may take pain medication at home to alleviate the pain. Some people may require antibiotics.