Most endodontically treated teeth require a post-and-core build-up for restoring the teeth to optimum health and function. Selection of an appropriate post-and-core system from the wide variety of those available may be a clinical dilemma. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review the literature to identify the various factors that influence the selection of the post-and-core assembly. English-language peer-reviewed articles between 1961 and 2002 were identified using MEDLINE, as well as a hand search. The following key words were used: post, design, retention, fracture resistance, survivability, and esthetics. Selection of a post and core system should satisfy many interrelated biologic, mechanical, and esthetic factors to optimally restore the endodontically treated tooth to adequate form and function. This review may serve as a guide to aid the clinician in the selection of a post-and-core system.