Implant treatment involving the edentulous posterior maxilla often presents a significant challenge due to inadequate bone quantity and quality. Sinus augmentation is the most common surgical technique to overcome bone volume deficiency. It is considered a safe, predictable and reliable treatment procedure. Preoperative pitfalls and intraoperative and postoperative complications, involving lateral wall sinus floor augmentation procedures, will be comprehensively reviewed. Firstly, preoperative pitfalls including anatomical and pathological findings besides the current controversy in the scientific community regarding sinus augmentation will be extensively considered. we will also focus on the preoperative stage with perfection in mind and we will refer to the most recent scientific publications and innovative clinical research. Secondly, three key kinds of potential intraoperative and postoperative complications - membrane perforation, bleeding, and infections will be discussed. Thirdly, a preventive and therapeutic protocol will be discussed for the treatment of preoperative sinus pathologies and intraoperative and postoperative infections. Finally, recommendations will be made to aid avoiding pitfalls and minimize complications.