Overview
- Kelly Ripa missed Live after undergoing gum graft surgery, a development first announced by husband and cohost Mark Consuelos on Monday, July 27, with Kevin Jonas filling in that day.
- Consuelos and a show spokesperson said Ripa is following strict post-operative orders that prohibit talking, require soft foods, forbid using straws, and advise against inspecting the surgical site.
- Consuelos described the recovery as painful despite Ripa's high pain tolerance, and the show told media she is expected to be off for about a week.
- Guest cohosts are covering the hosting duties this week, with Kevin Jonas returning and other scheduled fill-ins including Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon and Scott Foley.
- Gum grafts transfer tissue to receded gums to protect tooth roots and reduce sensitivity, with typical healing taking about one to two weeks, and the program is relying on on-air updates from Consuelos rather than a statement from Ripa herself.