Did you know that you can steam out dents with a bit of water and a hot iron? It is easy, provided that there is not finish on the wood and the depression is a dent, not a gouge.
A dent is an area where wood fibers are crushed, but not broken. Because wood cells are hollow and tubular, they will often crush without tearing and can be swelled back up with steam. If the wood fibers are cut, or if wood is missing from the depression, that is a gouge, not a dent. You'll have to fill gouges with putty, but dents can be raised. Not sure which it is? Try steaming it first. There is no harm, and if it does not come out, you can always go back and putty the spot. Here's how to do it.
Place a drop or two of clean water into the dent. Let it sink in for a few seconds, and add more water if it absorbs completely. Now lay a damp cloth over the spot and press a hot clothes iron onto it for just a few seconds. When the iron hits the damp cloth it will release steam, and also cause the water in the depression to turn to steam. The fast expanding steam will force the crushed wood fibers back into shape. If the dent comes out only partially, repeat the procedure. Once the dent is leveled, wipe off any remaining water, let the wood dry completely, and sand it lightly.
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