Can a cracked tooth mend like a bone? Or any way to save the tooth?

I have a molar that has an inlay, which has been there for years. A couple weeks ago it started bothering me so I went to the dentist and he said that the tooth is cracked down the middle. He said there is no way to save it (he says), but it needs to be removed by an oral surgeon. Then he says I would have to get a tooth made and joined with the other two teeth on either side.

I'd like to get a second opinion about this before I go getting into an expensive ordeal like this. Anyone had an experience like this or know of an alternative to removing the tooth or any way to save it?