During the past 20–30 years there has been an increased interest in restoring endodontically treated teeth. This mode of treatment is complicated by the fact that much or the entire coronal tooth structure which normally would be used in the retention of the restoration has been destroyed by caries, previous restoration, trauma and the endodontic access itself. The benefit of restoring such a tooth must be carefully weighed against the risks of removing it and replacing it with fixed or removable prostheses. A thorough understanding of the proper use of posts, cores and copings will enable the dentist to produce a final restoration that provides adequate retention while replacing and reinforcing lost tooth structure.