Kelly Ripa Misses Live Taping Following Painful Gum Graft Surgery
Kelly Ripa is currently taking a short hiatus from Live With Kelly and Mark to recover from a challenging surgery.
During the episode aired on Monday, July 27, of ABC’s talk show, Mark Consuelos mentioned that his wife was missing as she recuperates from gum graft surgery.
“Kelly sends her love,” Consuelos, 55, told guest cohost Kevin Jonas. “There’s a list of things she can’t do. [No] talking, she has to stick to soft foods, can’t use a straw. You can’t examine the area, which means no pulling down the lip. Last night, she asked, ‘Can you take a look?’ And I replied, ‘I’m not pulling your lip down.’”
As per the Cleveland Clinic, gum graft surgery is a dental procedure aimed at resolving thinning gums or gum recession. The recovery period typically spans one to two weeks, and the main purpose of the procedure is to lower the risk of severe gum disease.
“Her dentist mentioned five years ago, ‘You could do it in about five years.’ And she reacted, ‘I didn’t know I would still be on air in five years,’” Consuelos recalled. “The good news is — she is doing well, feeling great — but talking is off the table.”
Jonas, 38, humorously added, “That must be the toughest challenge she’s ever faced.”
Consuelos agreed, noting that his wife is a wonderful “conversationalist.” However, adhering to the rules means most communication happens through phone calls now.
“It’s painful,” he continued. “But she famously doesn’t perceive pain. When she visits the dentist, she skips the novocaine. But this one really hurts, so I know it’s serious.”
Kevin Jonas, Mark Consuelos Courtesy of ABC
The Cleveland Clinic indicated that any bleeding should decrease within the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. Swelling may persist for three to four days, and some patients might experience bruising during recovery; these side effects are typical and should resolve within the week.
Ultimately, the show goes on, and both Consuelos and Jonas welcomed Common as a guest on Monday’s episode.
The duo also delved into several topics, including NBA player LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers and the discussion around family members monitoring each other’s locations.
In the discussion, both cohosts commended their wives for their high pain thresholds. (Kevin has been married to his wife Danielle Jonas since 2009.)
“They do have children. They give birth,” said Consuelos. “We are not designed for that.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs weekdays. Please check your local listings online.
