This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of alveolar antral artery (AAA) detection by CBCT, its related variables, and at describing explanatory models useful in surgical planning, by retrospective evaluation of CBCT explorations. The modelling of the probability for detecting AAA was undertaken using logistic generalized additive models (GAM). The capacity for discriminating detection/no detection was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves. A total of 466 sinuses were studied. Univariate models showed detection probability was linked to sinus width and thickness of the lateral bony wall, together with the shape and height of the osseous crest. AAA detection probability increased steadily until the thickness of the bony wall reached 6 mm. Multivariate models resulted good discriminators for AAA detection, particularly for females, showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85. Models considering patients altogether, and those including only males offered slightly lower values (AUC = 0.79). The probability of AAA detection by CBCT was influenced by gender (higher in males and for narrow sinuses) and increases with the thickness of the sinus lateral bony wall and the height of the residual alveolar ridge. Besides, and particularly for women, the thickness of the ridge at the basal level seems to improve the explanatory model for AAA detection. Maxillary sinus floor elevation (SFE) by lateral approach is a safe and predictable procedure for augmenting bone tissue volume for implant placement 1 , but certain potential complications have to be taken into account intraoperatively (Schneider's membrane perforation, haemorrhage from the alveolar antral artery (AAA), osteomeatal complex obstruction) and post-operatively (sinus congestion, graft mobility, acute sinusitis, and cyst formation) 2. Accidental bleeding secondary to surgical damage of AAA is the second most frequent complication of SFE 2,3. In fact, up to 20% of major bleeding events are due to accidental AA impairment 4,5. These events may result in suspension of the surgery, a slower surgical procedure, reduction of blood supply, mobilisation of the graft, as well as in an increase in the risk for membrane perforations 2. The AAA is an anastomosis of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) which has been repeatedly identified by dissection in 100% of the lateral sinus walls of cadavers 6-10. The vessel can follow either a straight or a U-shaped course in the anterolateral wall of the sinus, reaching its closest point to the alveolar crest at the site of the first or second molar 11,12. The AAA also maintains a varying relationship with the sinus wall, being usually completely intraosseous and rarely (< 8%) more superficial (under the periosteum) on the lateral wall 3,12. These circumstances make AAA identification during surgical planning particularly important for avoiding undesired complications 13. Although cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has proved better than conventional computed tomography (...