question: I had a root canal started on tooth #4 after feeling like it was abcessing - I was having pain behind my eyes and getting nauseous and shaky/weak - but the tooth didnt hurt!  The dentist confirmed the tooth was dead (no sensation), and then drilled it and cleaned the roots a little.  He left a hole filled with cotton to let it drain for 7 days while I wait for the final root canal appt.  Is there any danger to having cotton in the hole and draining this way - i.e in bacteria migrating up the cotton filled drainage port?  Also, the back of my head is tender where this root is emanating, and my neck is stiff ..... and I feel weak/tired -  how dangerous is it to wait for this procedure?  Ive been on antibiotics since having this procedure -still 2 1/2 days until the final procedure.