Restorative Dentistry
IN NEW HOLLAND, PA
When teeth become damaged, worn, fractured, or weakened, restorative dentistry helps rebuild your smile while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Restoring Strength, Function & Longevity
At Laura S. Harkin, DMD, restorative treatment is guided by a simple philosophy: provide the most conservative, durable, and biologically sound solution for each patient. Whether restoring a single tooth or addressing more complex concerns, Dr. Laura Harkin combines advanced training, meticulous attention to detail, and decades of clinical insight to create restorations designed to last.
As a third-generation dental practice serving New Holland and Lancaster County, we understand that successful dentistry should not only look beautiful today—it should continue functioning well for years to come.
Conservative Restorations That Protect Natural Teeth
Whenever possible, our goal is to preserve your natural tooth structure while restoring strength, comfort, and function.
Restorative treatment may be recommended for:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Large fillings that need replacement
- Tooth wear and erosion
- Missing teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Damaged dental restorations
- Bite-related concerns
In addition, Dr. Harkin offers advanced dental implant reconstruction and restoration services, helping patients repair, replace, or restore implant-supported crowns, bridges, and other implant restorations. Using advanced diagnostics and treatment planning, we evaluate the condition of each tooth and recommend solutions that support both immediate needs and long-term oral health.
The Gold Standard of Restorative Dentistry
For certain situations, gold restorations remain one of the most durable and successful treatment options available in dentistry.
While modern materials continue to evolve, gold has maintained an exceptional reputation because of its unique ability to coexist harmoniously with natural tooth structure.
Benefits of gold restorations include:
- Conservative tooth preparation
- Exceptional longevity
- Superior marginal seal
- Resistance to fracture and wear
- Biocompatibility with surrounding tissues
- Wear characteristics similar to natural enamel
Because gold wears at a rate similar to natural teeth and expands and contracts similarly to enamel, it places less stress on surrounding tooth structure than many alternative materials.
Each gold restoration is individually handcrafted by a skilled laboratory technician and carefully fitted, polished, and refined to achieve exceptional precision and comfort.
For back teeth, gold restorations often provide a level of durability and predictability that remains unmatched by many modern materials.
A Legacy of Clinical Success
Dr. Harkin's appreciation for gold restorations was shaped by a unique opportunity few dentists experience—the ability to evaluate decades of treatment performed by previous generations within her own family practice.
By caring for patients treated by both her grandfather, Dr. John Sheaffer Sr., and her father, Dr. John Sheaffer Jr., she gained valuable insight into how various restorative materials perform over time.
What she consistently observed was the remarkable longevity of well-designed gold restorations. In many cases, these restorations allowed patients to maintain their natural teeth for 50 years or more.
This firsthand perspective inspired Dr. Harkin to pursue advanced training through the Tucker Institute in Seattle and continue her education through participation in an R.V. Tucker Study Club dedicated to excellence in cast gold restorations.
Restorative Dentistry
Designed to Last
Every restorative decision we make is guided by what will best serve your oral health for years to come.
Whether your treatment involves a crown, implant restoration, gold inlay, onlay, or more comprehensive reconstruction, our goal is to provide solutions that support comfort, function, aesthetics, and longevity.
We believe the best dentistry is often the dentistry that requires the least intervention over time—and that's a philosophy that has guided our practice for generations.
FAQs
Choosing the right restorative treatment often involves balancing aesthetics, durability, function, and long-term value. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about restorative dentistry and gold restorations.
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged, worn, or missing teeth to restore proper function, comfort, and appearance.
Why does Dr. Harkin recommend gold restorations?
Gold restorations offer exceptional durability, longevity, and compatibility with natural tooth structure. In certain situations—particularly for back teeth—they remain one of the most predictable restorative options available.
Are gold restorations still used today?
Yes. While many patients choose tooth-colored restorations, gold remains highly respected among restorative dentists because of its strength, precision, and long-term success.
How long do gold restorations last?
With proper care, gold restorations can often last decades. In some cases, Dr. Harkin has observed gold restorations placed generations ago that continue to function successfully today.
Are gold restorations noticeable?
Gold restorations are typically used on back teeth where aesthetics are less of a concern. Many patients appreciate their durability and view them as a long-term investment in their oral health.
