What does oral surgeon pack socket with and stitch over after wisdom tooth removal?

I had some gauze packed in the side of my mouth when I woke up from the surgery (had all four removed) and disolvable stiches over the gaps where the teeth were. I didn't bled all that much from my teeth (although had a nose bleed from where the breathing tube was removed too quickly from my nose and ripped the skin inside! I took the gauze out after a day though.