Kelly Ripa is recovering from gum graft surgery, a dental procedure that has temporarily silenced the "Live with Kelly and Mark" co-host, according to her husband, Mark Consuelos.
Consuelos shared details of Ripa's recovery during Monday's broadcast, explaining that the surgery, recommended years ago, was more extensive than anticipated. Gum graft surgery is typically performed to address receding gums. "Kelly had a little bit – well, it’s not a little – she had a gum graft surgery," Consuelos told guest Nick Jonas.
He described Ripa's recovery as one of her most challenging, noting that the most difficult aspect for the typically talkative host is the enforced silence. Consuelos admitted he is working to ensure Ripa adheres to her doctor's orders. "I’m trying to keep her to follow the rules, follow the directions," he said.
Ripa's pain tolerance is well-known, often leading her to forgo Novocaine during dental visits. However, Consuelos indicated that this surgery was particularly painful, signaling its severity. "Yeah, it’s painful," he told Jonas. "But she famously doesn’t feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn’t use the novocaine. But this one hurts, so I know it’s bad."
Jonas, speaking about his own wife's resilience to pain, joked that Ripa's doctor-ordered silence is likely the hardest thing she has ever endured. Consuelos agreed, remarking on women's capacity to endure physical challenges, especially in childbirth.
A representative for "Live" confirmed that Ripa is not expected to return to the show for at least another week as she continues her recovery at home.