What procedure is typically performed to treat dental caries?

The procedure typically performed to treat dental caries is the filling. When dental caries, commonly known as cavities, form due to the decay of tooth structure, the primary goal is to restore the tooth's integrity and function. During a filling, a dentist removes the decayed material from the tooth and then fills the resulting cavity with a restorative material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. This procedure not only helps to eliminate the decay but also prevents further damage and bacterial growth, allowing the tooth to function normally.

Extraction is a procedure where a tooth is removed, generally reserved for severely decayed teeth or those that cannot be saved. Root canal treatment involves the removal of infected pulp from inside the tooth but does not directly address the caries on the outer tooth structure by restoring it with a filling. Scaling refers to the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces, typically associated with gum disease and not specifically a treatment for dental caries. Hence, filling is the most appropriate and common procedure used to treat cavities effectively.