Access to the maxillary sinus using a bone flap on a mucosal pedicle : preliminary report

INTRODUCTION: An alternative procedure to access the maxillary sinus is described. OBJECTIVE: To describe advantages and disadvantages of the suggested technique of harvesting a bone flap based on an antral mucosal pedicle. MATERIAL: Four patients have been operated on to remove foreign bodies or odontogenic cysts. RESULTS: In all four patients, removal of the lesions and foreign bodies was easily accomplished. CONCLUSION: The procedure described respects the morpho-functional integrity of the sinus, is easy, quick and may be performed under local anaesthesia.