Kelly Ripa Shares Painful Surgery Ordeal—and How She’s Feeling Now

At the top of the July 27 broadcast, Mark Consuelos told viewers that Kelly Ripa is off the show this week while she recovers from a gum graft surgery and is under strict doctor’s orders not to talk. With Ripa on vocal rest, Consuelos welcomed guest co-host Kevin Jonas to sit in at the desk.

Consuelos said Ripa had the procedure to address receding gums — something her dentist first urged her to do about five years ago. Despite her reputation for a high pain tolerance (she’s known to skip Novocain at the dentist), he described this recovery as especially rough and said he’s helping her follow the rules at home: soft foods only, no straws, and no tugging her lip to check the healing.

Ripa is on strict vocal rest following a gum graft.

According to Consuelos, Ripa is taking a one-week break and is expected to return to Live with Kelly and Mark once she’s medically cleared. He added that she’s healing well, but the no-talking order stands until her dentist signs off.

Who’s filling in

The show has lined up a rotating slate of guest co-hosts to join Consuelos while Ripa rests:

• July 27–28 — Kevin Jonas
• Later this week — Mila Kunis
• Later this week — Pamela Adlon
• Later this week — Scott Foley

Consuelos said Ripa will be back once her dentist gives the all-clear after this week of recovery.