The Gow-Gates mandibular block technique for administration of local anesthesia was compared to conventional nerve block techniques in patients undergoing the removal of impacted third molars, using a within-subject experimental design. Both techniques resulted in acceptable quality of anesthesia. Success rate of the Gow-Gates technique was significantly greater than with conventional techniques. Limitations of the Gow-Gates technique were slower onset of anesthesia, variable buccal nerve anesthesia, and increased intraoperative bleeding.