I am 24 years old and have a back lower molar that is cracked. My dentist said I need a root canal and that I shoul have a crown put in afterwards. However my dental insurance is not great and I am a struggling student who can barely pay my bills. So I am not sure I have the funds for a crown. My father was in the same boat as me recently and he just had his molar pulled. I'm not sure on how I should proceed.

If it is a back molar you don't have any reason to have a crown for cosmetic reasons. No one is going to notice a back tooth missing. You are looking at great expense for a root canal plus a crown. You will have no problem later in Iife being without this tooth. Good luck with your decision.

I am not a dentist but dentists have told me that a missing lower molar can cause the tooth above it to loosen and eventually fall out. Discuss with your dentist before making a decision.

I am not a dentist but dentists have told me that a missing lower molar can cause the tooth above it to loosen and eventually fall out. Discuss with your dentist before making a decision.

Actually, I would not have given this advice if I had not worked for an endodontist for a few years, and from personal experience of NOT having any issues with my upper teeth after having a back molar removed.

Of course it all depends on how well you care for your teeth throughout your adult life.

I hope the OP has a completely honest dentist!

This is the only reference I could find that discusses the issue:
http://www.implantdentistryinstitute.com/pdfs/Changes%20in%20the%20Jaw%20Bones.pdf
"When back molars are missing the damage is even more serious" and "When no back teeth are touching the stress
is now placed on the front teeth, this 'overloads' them and forces them to move forward and outward.
When back molars are missing the damage is even more serious.
The back chewing teeth begin to erupt down into the empty spaces where the lower molar teeth are missing."

Yes, that is very good information, then how do you explain me having all my teeth at 71, with exception of and with no problems and missing molars on both sides.

I think these issues arise when there is bone loss in older individuals, indicated by receding gums and younger people who just do not look after their teeth and contract gum disease because of it.