An implant placement locator instrument includes an elongated handle member that has a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end being an operative end. The operative end includes a base having a footprint of an implant post. The base has a hollow center, and the hollow center is adapted to hold a punch. There is a punch located on the instrument at the operative end and inside the hollow center of the base, the punch having a pointed tip for piercing bone. The punch may be one end of the handle, and has a first position relative to the base, being a retracted position wherein it is retracted within the hollow center, and has a second position relative to the base, being an extended, piercing position wherein it is at least partially extended out of the hollow center. There is a spring connected to the base and the punch so as to enhance movement of the punch from one of its first position and second position to the other of its first position and second position.