Novel antibacterial and therapeutic dental polymeric composites with the capability to self-heal cracks and regain mechanical properties

Dental caries (tooth decay) is a prevalent disease. Resin composites have become the most commonly used materials to restore caries due to their direct-filling capability, tooth-colored esthetics, and photo cure-on-demand property. However, it has been reported that the current generation of composite restorations has a relatively high failure rate due to secondary caries and bulk fracture. Therefore, efforts have been made to develop a new generation of antibacterial and therapeutic dental polymeric composites to suppress caries and increase the longevity of the restorations. These new materials have demonstrated the effects to inhibit the growth of oral biofilms and plaques, reduce bacterial acid production, regenerate the lost tooth minerals, and self-heal cracks to regain the load-bearing capabilities. This article reviews the cutting-edge development for this new generation of dental restorative materials.