Which type of dental restoration is characterized by being created from gold or porcelain and fitting on a prepared tooth?

A crown is a type of dental restoration that is designed to cover or "cap" a prepared tooth. It provides strength and protection to a tooth that has been weakened or damaged due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues. Crowns can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain, or a combination of both. They are custom-fabricated to fit the specific shape and size of the tooth being restored, ensuring a comfortable and functional result.

One of the primary functions of a crown is to restore the tooth's natural appearance, especially when made from aesthetic materials like porcelain, making them indistinguishable from adjacent teeth. In contrast, composite fillings are used to fill cavities, veneers cover only the front surface of teeth, and a bridge is a restoration that replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth. Each of these options serves a different dental purpose, making the crown the correct choice for the type of restoration described in the question.