What is new for Northwoods Drifter in 2026
If you’ve ever woken up with a sore jaw or felt a clicking sensation when you yawn, you’re not alone up here in the Northwoods. Millions of Americans deal with temporomandibular joint pain, and now there’s a new treatment option right here in Phillips.
Northwoods Dentistry just became the first dental practice in Wisconsin to offer Emface for TMJ pain relief. The FDA-cleared treatment uses gentle electrical pulses and heat to relax tense jaw muscles without needles, surgery, or downtime.
Dr. Mike Murphy, who co-owns the practice, knows the struggle firsthand. His wife has dealt with TMJ pain for years.
About 11 to 12 million American adults struggle with TMJ disorders, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull, and when it acts up, even simple things like chewing a bratwurst or chatting with neighbors become painful.
Clenching and grinding habits — often stress-related or happening during sleep — are major culprits. Many folks don’t even realize they’re doing it until the pain sets in.
Traditional treatments have included mouthguards, physical therapy, or medications. But those options don’t work for everyone, and some people need something more targeted.
Here’s where things get interesting. Emface was originally designed as a cosmetic treatment — think of it as a nonsurgical mini facelift that tightens facial muscles.
But the FDA recently cleared it for TMJ disorders, opening up a whole new application. While the device typically stimulates muscle activity for cosmetic benefits, it can be adjusted to decrease muscle activity in the jaw area. That’s exactly what TMJ patients need.
Each treatment session takes about 20 minutes and feels painless. The combination of electrical pulses and soothing heat improves blood flow and relaxes those overworked jaw muscles. Most patients need a series of four treatments for best results.
“I wake up every morning looking at my wife who has been suffering with TMJ muscle pain for years, and she’s been pain free since we introduced the technology a month ago.” — Dr. Mike Murphy
Since Emface was designed for facial aesthetics, TMJ patients get a two-for-one deal. The treatment also strengthens facial muscles, smooths fine lines, and tightens skin — especially around the jowls and upper eyelids.
When combined with another treatment called EXION that Northwoods Dentistry offers, results go even further. EXION stimulates the body’s natural hyaluronic acid production, promoting healthier and more hydrated skin.
So you’re treating jaw pain and potentially taking years off your appearance. Not a bad combo.
Dr. Murphy has been practicing in the Northwoods since 2011, after spending a decade running a dental practice in Virginia. He and his team now operate six locations across the region:
Murphy holds advanced credentials including a Diplomate designation in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He’s logged over 1,000 hours of continuing education focused on dental implants and advanced treatments.
The practice has already received numerous phone calls from people interested in trying Emface. There’s clearly demand for effective TMJ pain relief in our area.
Northwoods Dentistry is hosting a complimentary launch party today from noon until 6 p.m. at the Phillips location. It’s a chance to learn about Emface and EXION, watch live demonstrations, enjoy refreshments, and take advantage of discounted pricing.
No pressure, just information and the opportunity to see if this treatment might work for you. Anyone dealing with chronic jaw pain, clenching, or grinding habits should consider stopping by.
To RSVP or learn more, call the Phillips office at (715) 339-3021.
Whether you’re dealing with daily jaw pain or just curious about what’s new in dental care, this launch represents something bigger. It’s another example of cutting-edge healthcare coming to the Northwoods, so folks don’t have to drive hours for specialized treatment.
That matters when you’re juggling work, family, and all the outdoor adventures that make living up here worthwhile. Accessible, innovative care right in our backyard? That’s the kind of news worth sharing.
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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