A multi-functional self-healing dental composite may intrinsically repair the micro-crack and prevent the crack from propagating to catastrophic failure, thus significantly extending the service life of the restorative material. The self-healing dental composite includes a dental resin matrix, fillers, healing powder, and healing liquid containing micro-capsules distributed throughout the matrix. Each of the micro-capsules have a silica she formed by the hydrolysis condensation of TEOS in the presence of an aqueous solution of a healing liquid. The healing liquid includes a homo-polymers(s) and/or copolymer(s) of carboxylic acid(s). The healing powder particles distributed throughout the resin matrix, and include alumina, silica and other elements. The self-healing may be triggered automatically as a result of micro-cracking, induced by thereto/mechanical fatigue. During the self-healing process, antibacterial agents may be released to provide protection of the composites against cariogenic bacteria. The self-healing dental composites also may improve tooth remineralization, and caries prevention though fluoride release.
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