Which dental procedure is typically indicated when a patient presents with advanced caries?

When a patient presents with advanced caries, root canal therapy is typically indicated because it addresses the issue of infection or damage that has progressed deep into the tooth, involving the pulp or nerve. Advanced caries can lead to significant damage, resulting in pulpitis, which is the inflammation of the dental pulp. Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning the interior of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection.

This procedure is essential for saving the tooth, as extraction may be necessary if the tooth is too damaged or diseased for restoration. Fluoride treatment and sealant placement are preventive measures that are more appropriate for managing less severe caries or to prevent caries in healthy teeth but are not suitable for advanced cases where pulp damage has occurred. Thus, root canal therapy is the correct choice for treating advanced caries that have compromised the tooth's vital structures.