loose tooth - help!

So my son literally has a tooth hanging by a thread and he wont let me pull it. I tried to see if his dentist could pull it today but they haven't called me back. Its lunchtime now and that sucker needs to come out so he can eat. But everytime I mention pulling it he freaks out, cries, and covers his mouth. It isnt even in its socket anymore and I don't know what to do 😞 anyone have any tips on how I can keep him calm long enough to pull it?!?

update: I finally talked him into pulling it himself 😁 thanks for the advice everyone!