connected crowns

A few years ago, my former dentist put on a crown that was connected...3 crowns together. At the time, I wondered why, but he insisted he had to. My current dentist did xrays, and found some decay under this crown, and says that he has to remove it, fix the decay, and put on 3 individual crowns...for another $1800! Is it normal to have connected these, and is there anyway to save the "triple crown"??? Thanks

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I am not in favor of splinting crowns unless it is absolutely necessary. I would place individual crowns if at all possible.