Abstract: Maxillary sinus membrane perforation is the most common complication in the operation of sinus augmentation. Perforations can be classified into various categories by using different classification methods according to the location and the diameter of perforation, such as the classical sorting method, the simplified classification and the diameter classification. Each perforation classification also has its corresponding repair and treatment methods, including the classical approach, the buccal fat pad approach, the diameter perforation approach, the endoscopic approach and so on. If treated properly, the maxillary sinus membrane perforation would hardly have an impact on the survival rates of the implants inserted in these sites. Long-term success rates of the implants with perforated sinus membrane are comparable to those with intact sinus membrane.

Key words: maxillary sinus augmentation, sinus membrane perforation, perforation classification, membrane perforation handling