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Kelly Ripa Misses Live Show for Week After Gum Graft

7/28/2026

36 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ripa Misses Live

Mark Consuelos announced on July 27, 2026 that Kelly Ripa is absent from Live with Kelly and Mark to recover from gum graft surgery.
Doctors ordered vocal rest, soft foods, no straws and no site inspection after the dentist recommended the graft five years earlier.
A spokesperson said Ripa will miss the show for a week.
Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon and Scott Foley will co-host Monday through Friday.

Summary

Ripa Graft Pain

Gum graft surgery moves tissue from the roof of the mouth to cover exposed roots.
The Cleveland Clinic notes the procedure reduces sensitivity, prevents further recession, and lowers severe gum disease risk.
Recovery lasts one to two weeks, requiring patients to eat foods, avoid straws, rest their voice, and not inspect the graft.
Kelly Ripa, who often skips novocaine, said the graft was unusually painful despite her high pain tolerance.

History

Historical Context

Periodontal grafting advanced in the early 1980s, with barrier membranes introduced in 1982 and Langer’s 1985 SECT method expanding subepithelial connective-tissue grafts for root coverage. These developments made gum-graft recovery routine and clinical, so broadcast television networks now arrange immediate standby hosts when personalities such as Kelly Ripa undergo the procedure.

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Ripa Misses Live

Mark Consuelos announced on July 27, 2026 that Kelly Ripa is absent from Live with Kelly and Mark to recover from gum graft surgery.
Doctors ordered vocal rest, soft foods, no straws and no site inspection after the dentist recommended the graft five years earlier.
A spokesperson said Ripa will miss the show for a week.
Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon and Scott Foley will co-host Monday through Friday.

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