Secondary caries associated with silicate fillings is characterized by lesions at the tooth surface and lesions of the cavity wall. The mineral content of the cavity wall lesions and the penetration of elements originating from the silicate fillings were studied in experimental in vitro and in vivo lesions as well as in natural carious lesions. Dentine wall lesions, where microradiographs had shown increased radiopacity relative to intact tissue, exhibited increased Ca and P values. Elements derived from the silicate fillings were regularly found in enamel and dentine. The concentrations of fluorine (F) and of zinc (Zn) amounted to 2-3% by weight close to the cavity wall and decreased gradually to less than 0.1% at depths of 600 mum and 400 mum, respectively, from the cavity. Aluminum (Al) most often occurred in a 20-40 mum-wide zone, showing a maximum concentration of 2-3% near the cavity. Sulfur (S) was often present in the dentinal cavity walls of natural secondary caries, but not in the in vitro specimens. The findings indicate that F released from the silicate filling significantly modifies the progress of a carious lesion in the adjacent enamel and dentine. Through its tendency to form complexes with F, Al may possibly enhance the cariostatic effect of F.