If it is a solid piece of wood and not a veneer then it can be done with care.
First you need to prepare the damaged area ie, sandpaper or clean the area so that when the repair is done it can be matched with the rest of the table, usually you will have to prepare the whole top, not just a small piece.
To lift the dents you will need a wet cloth and it is best to wet the dents as well, place the wet cloth over the damage then using an iron, press the cloth straight on to the wood but without moving the iron as if to press clothes. This will lift the fibre in the wood, you may have to do this a few times, just go steady. When the wood is level, you will have to use a fine grade of sandpaper or emery cloth to smooth the surface. When you are happy with the surface you will need to polish or varnish the surface to match the rest of the table.
MB retired upholsterer, February 2010
