Release of elements due to electrochemical corrosion of dental amalgam.

The corrosion pattern of dental amalgam in aqueous media was interpreted theoretically by means of log(ai/a(ref))-pe diagrams. The definitions on which the diagrams were based were given, and their features were described. All sparingly soluble compounds which were expected to be formed in reactions with the solvents considered were listed. All the corrosion products reported in the current literature were found to be formed, and the conditions for their formation were established. It emerged that it was necessary to exclude other sparingly soluble compounds with theoretically might be formed. Two compounds, CuSCN and AgSCN, which have not been reported previously were found to be possible corrosion products. Corrosion products containing mercury compound cannot be formed on amalgam restorations with no metallic contact with other materials.