Northwoods Dentistry Offers Emface to Treat TMJ Pain

New FDA-approved technology shows promise for managing debilitating jaw discomfort.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Northwoods Dentistry in Phillips, Wisconsin is now offering Emface, a recently FDA-approved technology, to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Unlike its cosmetic use for facial tightening, Emface actually decreases muscle activity when applied to TMJ patients, providing relief. This aligns with a broader trend of increased, collaborative research into TMDs, which affect an estimated 11-12 million adults in the U.S.

Why it matters

TMJ pain can be debilitating, impacting a person's ability to chew, speak, and live comfortably. Traditional TMJ treatments have had varying effectiveness, so new options like Emface represent an important advancement. Additionally, the rise of interdisciplinary research into TMDs signals a shift towards more personalized, holistic approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The details

Emface, initially developed for facial aesthetics, is now being used by practices like Northwoods Dentistry to treat TMJ disorders. Dr. Mike Murphy of Northwoods Dentistry has seen positive results, including pain relief for his own wife. The emergence of Emface as a TMJ treatment aligns with increased collaborative research, such as the TMD IMPACT initiative funded by the NIDCR and other NIH elements. This research aims to better understand the complex factors driving TMDs and train the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

  • Northwoods Dentistry is hosting a complimentary Emface launch party on March 5, 2026 from noon to 6 PM.
  • In January 2023, the NIDCR announced funding for the TMD IMPACT initiative to advance understanding of TMDs.

The players

Northwoods Dentistry

A dental practice in Phillips, Wisconsin that is now offering the Emface technology to treat TMJ pain.

Dr. Mike Murphy

A dentist at Northwoods Dentistry who has seen positive results from using Emface to treat TMJ patients, including his own wife.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

A division of the National Institutes of Health that is funding the TMD IMPACT initiative to advance research and understanding of temporomandibular disorders.

Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital

A multidisciplinary team that recently received an NIDCR grant to further research TMDs and train the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Northwoods Dentistry is hosting a complimentary launch party for Emface on March 5th from noon to 6 PM, offering an opportunity to learn more and try the technology. Call (715) 339-3021 to RSVP.

The takeaway

The emergence of Emface as a potential TMJ treatment, combined with the rise of interdisciplinary research into TMDs, signals a shift towards more personalized, holistic approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating this debilitating condition that affects millions of Americans.