Suggestions for pacifier weaning a 2.5 year old? [ca]

We are looking to pull the plug on soothers sometime in the next couple of months before baby #2 arrives in July. He only uses them for sleep but he is VERY attached (I’m talking he has like 3 in his crib with him at all times - one in his mouth and usually at least one clutched in his hands). His dentist suggested waiting until around 2.5 to wean to avoid having him switch in a thumb but that we should get rid of them before he turns 3. She also suggested cutting the tips off little by little. Has anyone done this and had it work well? Any other suggestions for ways to phase out bedtime soothers?