Using fine sandpaper, lightly sand in line with the wood grain to remove the finish from around the gouge or dent.
Next, run a hot iron over a damp cloth placed over the damaged area--this should raise the wood fibers to the level of the surrounding wood. Let the wood dry completely, then sand lightly in line with the wood grain, using fine sandpaper. Finally, finish to match the existing finish.
To fill a nail hole or a gouge, find wood putty that matches. Use a putty knife to fill the hole with putty. Let the filler dry, then lightly sand the area smooth, working in line with the wood grain with fine sandpaper. Finish to match the area around it.
A deep gouge in woodwork can also be repaired by filling the hole with wood putty or wax filler, or gluing in a new piece of the same type of wood. If wood filler is used, it may be difficult to match the wood's original color or stain.
  Experiment with different stains mixed into the filler, and allow these "test patches" to dry in an inconspicuous location before you choose one to repair the problem area.
If you glue in a new section of wood, clean away any dried glue around the edges of the repair and sand the entire section around it before you restain.
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