The development of a deep pocket distal to the mandibular second molar following conventional techniques to remove an impacted third molar tooth is not an uncommon complication. This complication may occur after surgery of crown-to-root type mandibular bone-impacted third molars via the routine crestal approach. The "Buccal Window" technique has been stated to obviate the possibility of pocket formation distal to the mandibular second molar. The present study compares the buccal window lateral approach technique with the conventional crestal approach with regard to prevention of this postoperative complication.