Kelly Ripa was missing during the July 27 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark.
Mark Consuelos opened up about his wife and co-anchor's absence, as soon as he kicked off the show with guest co-host Kevin Jonas.
The star revealed: "Kelly had a little bit — well, it's not a little — she had a gum graft surgery."
The operation helps reduce teeth sensitivity as well as gum recession by surgically removing healthy gum tissue and placing it on exposed tooth roots.
© ABCWhat happened?
Mark explained: "Her dentist said five years ago, 'You can do it in about five years,' and she joked, 'I didn't think I'd still be on the air in five years!'"
He shared that Kelly is "doing well" and "doing great," and she needs to continue following doctor's orders when it comes to her recovery.
Mark expressed that Kelly is not allowed to talk, as her mouth heals over time.
© Getty ImagesKevin comically replied: "Wow. That's got to be the hardest thing she's ever done," as Mark responded: "[She's] such a great conversationalist. I'm trying to [get] her to follow the rules, follow the directions."
On top of not speaking, Kelly can only consume foods that are soft, and she must avoid using straws, and personally inspecting her mouth.
Easier said than done, as Mark revealed: "Last night she was like, 'Can you look?' I'm like, 'I'm not pulling your lip down,'" so instead, Kelly simply tilted her head down as far as she could.
Mark said: "So I'm down there like, 'It looks great.'"
© Getty ImagesKelly's journey
Kevin inquired about whether or not Kelly was experiencing pain during the recovery process so far.
Mark admitted: "Yeah, it's painful, but she famously doesn't feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn't use the novocane. But this one hurts, so I know it's bad."
Kevin interjected about his wife Danielle Jonas being similar to Kelly, adding: "I'll be like, 'Are you in pain?' She's like, 'I'm fine.' Come to find out her foot's like falling off."
© ABCMark gave women all the credit, adding: "Well, they do have kids. They deliver kids. We're not built for that."
Kelly is taking a week's break from the show, and besides Kevin, other guest co-hosts such as Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon and Scott Foley will fill in for her during that time.
Live with Kelly and Mark premiered in April 2023, as the pair who have been married for over 30 years, began co-anchoring together.
The duo share three children together including Michael, born in 1997, Lola, born in 2001 and Joaquin, born in 2003.
