What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw or felt sharp pain while chewing your morning toast, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans deal with temporomandibular joint pain, and now there’s a new treatment option right here in Price County.
Northwoods Dentistry in Phillips just became the first dental practice in Wisconsin to offer Emface, an FDA-cleared technology that treats TMJ pain without needles or surgery. For folks who’ve struggled with jaw tension for years, this could be a game-changer.
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull. When something goes wrong with this joint, everyday activities become challenging.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 11 to 12 million adults across the country suffer from TMJ disorders. That pain can make it hard to eat a bratwurst at the county fair or enjoy a conversation over fish fry.
Dr. Mike Murphy, who co-owns six Northwoods Dentistry locations, sees the impact firsthand. He’s witnessed patients struggle with clenching and grinding habits they can’t control, leading to chronic pain that affects their quality of life.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Emface wasn’t originally designed for dentistry at all.
The technology was created as a cosmetic treatment — think of it as a nonsurgical facelift that uses heat and energy to tighten facial muscles. But the FDA recently cleared it for TMJ disorders, opening up new possibilities for dental care.
“When you use it for the TMJ it actually decreases the muscle activity because you can use different settings on the machine,” Dr. Murphy explains.
Unlike the cosmetic application that stimulates muscles, the TMJ treatment relaxes overactive jaw muscles that cause pain and tension. No injections, no downtime — just relief for people who’ve been suffering.
Getting specialized medical care in the Northwoods often means driving to Wausau or Duluth. Having advanced treatments available locally changes the equation.
Northwoods Dentistry held a launch party in early March, offering demonstrations and discounted pricing. The response? Phone calls from people across the region who’ve been dealing with chronic jaw pain.
Dr. Murphy’s personal connection to the treatment adds weight to his enthusiasm. His wife had suffered from TMJ muscle pain for years. After a month of using Emface, she’s been pain-free.
The practice now operates in six locations across the region:
Dr. Murphy arrived in the Northwoods back in 2011 from Virginia, where he’d run his own practice for a decade after completing an Air Force dental residency. He brought over 28 years of experience and a vision for expanding quality dental care in rural areas.
The Phillips location offers more than just TMJ treatment. Services include general dentistry, cosmetic work like veneers and teeth whitening, orthodontics, and restorative treatments including dental implants and full-arch prostheses.
Hours at the Phillips office run Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. You can reach them at 715-339-3021 to schedule an appointment.
TMJ pain doesn’t get the attention that knee or shoulder problems receive, but it can be just as debilitating. Having a noninvasive treatment option closer to home means fewer people will have to simply live with the discomfort.
Dr. Murphy believes they’re going to help a lot of people with this technology. Early response suggests he’s right — the demand is already there.
If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain, clenching, or grinding, it might be worth a call to see if Emface could work for you. Sometimes the solutions we need show up in unexpected ways, like a facial treatment reimagined for dental care.
For Northwoods residents who’ve learned to work around chronic pain, having access to cutting-edge treatment without leaving the region is more than convenient. It’s a reminder that quality healthcare can thrive in rural communities when providers invest in both technology and people.
Written by
Mike has been coming up or living in the Northwoods since his childhood. He is also an avid outdoorsman, writer and supper club aficionado.
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