Maternal age has not been shown to have a huge impact on prevalence rates, but when there has been a relationship identified, older mothers along with very young mothers are at an increased risk. While maternal age may not have a huge impact, mothers that have a body mass index greater than 29 double the risk of their child having an NTD. Studies have also shown that mothers with three or more previous children show moderate risk for their next child having an NTD. References
External links
"Neural Tube Defects". MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Preventing Neural Tube Birth Defects: A Prevention Model and Resource Guide: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Although examination may reveal a fissure on the surface of anterior tooth, radiographic examination is the way. On a periapical radiograph, the invagination lesion will appear as a radiolucent pocket. It is usually seen beneath the cingulum or incisal edge. Larger lesions can appear as fissures. A radio-opaque could be shown. Pulp may be involved and the root canal could have complex anatomy. Two periapical radiographs are often required to make sure that it is not a masked lesion. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is useful in diagnosing DI. It provides clinicians a detailed 3D image and could aid treatment planning. Feasibility of root canal treatment or apical surgery or other procedures could be assessed. Oehlers classification
Class I - Partial invagination. It is limited to the crown of tooth. The lesion does not extend pass the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) or the pulp. Class II - Partial invagination. It extends beyond the crown and CEJ. Pulp may be involved but remain within the root anatomy. There is no communication of the lesion with periodontal ligament (PDL). Class IIIa - Complete invagination. It extends through root and communicates with PDL. It usually does not involve the pulp but can cause anatomical malformation. Class IIIb - Complete invagination. It extends through the root and communicates with PDL through apical foramen. Pulpal anatomy may not be directly involved but can cause disruption to the dental anatomy.